PNG University reforms could benefit regional institutions.

2:16 pm on 19 May 2016

The Vice Chancellor of Papua New Guinea's University of Technology says education authorities across the Pacific could gain valuable insight from ongoing reforms to PNG Unitech in Lae.

Albert Schram says most higher education institutions in the region suffer from political interference, poor resourcing and under-staffing.

He says efforts to reform PNG's Unitech began with the selection of a new university council, the implementation of a more robust fiscal regime and a renewed emphasis on better technological support for students and faculty members.

Mr Schram said these simple reforms could go a long way toward improving the quality of higher education across the region.

"Defend your university autonomy, de-politicise the university governance, make sure your research infrastructure and in particular your internet is up to standard and then focus on efficient and effective management of resources."

"Otherwise," he said, "you will not get support from stake holders."