Madang schools told to comply with government directives

All government schools in Madang Province have been urged to strictly comply with directives issued by the Education Department as classes begin this week.

Acting provincial education director Alphonse Igag stressed this whilst welcoming all teachers and students to the 2026 academic year.

Igag said all schools in the province must follow instructions issued by Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra, to ensure a smooth and well-organized start to classes.

With regards to project fees, Igag said schools must first identify projects, either short-term or long-term, then carry out the costings, and compare the differences between the total project costs against government project fees.

“That difference can then be shared equally among students,” Igag said.

However, he advised that the amount per student must first be submitted to the Madang Provincial Education Board [PEB] for endorsement before schools can begin charging the parental component.

He said no additional project fees should be imposed without official approval from the PEB.

Igag also announced that school administrations, boards of governors and management are now required to accept electronic banking deposit receipts issued by banks as proof of school fee payments.

“Only a few schools that are not yet captured by the banking system will continue using manual deposit receipts,” he said.

Igag said Bank South Pacific (BSP) will be opened on Saturdays for one month to assist parents for school fee payments as the academic year starts.

As schools prepare to welcome back continuing students and receive new intakes, Igag expressed optimism for a positive and organized start to the academic year.

“We are anticipating a better start from Monday, 26 January 2026 onwards,” he said. "Let us work together to support education in our province."

Meanwhile, Igag informed schools and parents that the Measurement Services Division will begin printing certificates for grades 8, 10 and 12s, starting today.

He advised students enrolling in new schools for the first time to obtain some form of identification or official documents from the schools they attended in 2025 to help with registration at their new schools.

“This will help make the enrollment process smoother while students wait for their official certificates,” he said.

Igag also took time to acknowledge the passing of four serving teachers this month. Three of the teachers were from Raikos District, while one was serving in Bogia.

He also called on all education stakeholders to work in unity for the benefit of students across the province.