Over 120 graduate from UOG’s IDFL program in Madang

University of Goroka acting pro-vice-chancellor Dr Matthew Landu (middle) with UOG Institute of Distance and Flexible Learning executive director Thresa Dingu (left) along with graduands in Madang *(Image: NBC News)*

More than 120 students are graduating today from the University of Goroka’s Institute of Distance and Flexible Learning [IDFL] in Madang.

Graduands will be conferred with Bachelor degrees in school management - a program tailored for in-service teachers seeking professional development, while others will receive diplomas in business management, business administration, tourism and hospitality, and early childhood education.

IDFL executive director Thresa Dingu said this marks the institute's 17th graduation ceremony and the first to be held in Madang under the theme 'Gown to Town'.

"This is the first graduation to be held here for our Madang students, and we are happy to bring the program to them," Dingu said.

"Our Madang students usually travel to the main campus in Goroka for their graduation, but this time we decided to come down to them."

Dingu said Madang IDFL center was established nine years ago and has since graduated more than 1,000 students, with enrollment numbers continuing to grow annually.

UOG acting pro-vice-chancellor Dr Matthew Landu, who is attending the ceremony in Madang, said the university remains committed to expanding distance education pathways.

He thanked the Madang Provincial Government for its partnership following a Memorandum of Agreement signed with UOG in May this year.

Landu added that UOG is actively working to expand flexible learning opportunities to cater to the growing number of school leavers across the country.