Student Enrolments from Markham District into tertiary institutions by 2027 and onwards are expected to rise following the signing of a scholarship Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Institute of Business Studies University (IBSU) and the Secondary School.
Education officials say the partnership will create an additional pathway for academically deserving students to pursue university education, complementing the district's existing scholarship programme.
The agreement, signed during a visit by an IBSUniversity delegation to Markham Valley Secondary School on Tuesday, July 7, makes the school the first secondary school in Morobe Province to establish a formal scholarship partnership with IBSUniversity.
Markham District Education Inspector Jacob Hosea said the district has already established a strong record of supporting students into tertiary institutions through its scholarship programme over the past five years.
Mr. Hosea said district scholarship records for 2025 show that 173 students from the district's four high schools and one secondary school enrolled at five of Papua New Guinea's leading universities.
Of those, 98 students enrolled at the University of Goroka, 21 at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, 20 at the University of Papua New Guinea, 17 at Pacific Adventist University, and 17 at Divine Word University.
He said Markham Valley Secondary School alone accounted for 74 students who progressed to tertiary institutions in the latest academic year, highlighting the school's contribution to the district's education achievements.
Mr. Hosea said the new partnership with IBSUniversity is expected to increase those numbers by providing another scholarship avenue for students who may otherwise face financial barriers to higher education.
According to the Morobe Provincial Education Office, Wantoat High School, Ragiampun Adventist High School and Markham Valley Secondary School are among the province's top-performing schools, reflecting the district's continued emphasis on quality education.
School Principal Billy Kayo welcomed the partnership, describing it as a unique opportunity that would encourage students to work harder and aspire to university education.
"I have been in education for a very long time, and this is one of the most unique opportunities I have ever heard about," Mr. Kayo said.
According to the IBSUniversity administration, the scholarship programme is intended to widen access to higher education by recognising academic achievement and strengthening links between secondary and tertiary institutions.
Education officials believe the new partnership will not only increase the number of Markham students entering university but also contribute to building a skilled workforce capable of supporting the district's long-term social and economic development.
