Celebrating a Life of Service, Education and National Advancement
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has paid tribute to Sir Mick Nades at his 80th birthday celebration, recognising him as a visionary leader whose life’s work has profoundly shaped Papua New Guinea’s education sector, business landscape and national development.
Addressing dignitaries, family and friends gathered for the celebration, Prime Minister Marape highlighted Sir Mick’s remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Papua New Guinea’s most enduring champions of education and human capital development.
“Sir Mick is recognised among the greatest contributors to Papua New Guinea,” the Prime Minister said. “As we celebrate 50 years of our nation’s independence, we also celebrate leaders like Sir Mick whose vision has enriched lives and built opportunities for thousands of our children.”
Prime Minister Marape’s remarks traced Sir Mick’s life against the backdrop of PNG’s national journey since Independence, noting how his personal commitment to learning, discipline and opportunity mirrored the country’s aspirations for progress.
A Life of Vision and Service
Born Manickam Nadesalingam in Sri Lanka in 1946, Sir Mick came to Papua New Guinea on a government scholarship — an experience that shaped his lifelong belief in the transformative power of education. After completing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Ceylon, he pursued professional qualifications in accounting and marketing in the United Kingdom, later becoming a Fellow of leading international institutes, including FCMA, FCIM, and FCPA (Australia and PNG).
In Papua New Guinea, Sir Mick worked across trading, manufacturing, banking and mining before founding Nades & Associates in 1986.
His most enduring contribution came with the establishment of the Institute of Business Studies in 1989. Initially created to support local accounting graduates seeking professional certification, the institution expanded steadily. Through partnerships with overseas universities from 1999 and the development of its own programmes, the institution evolved into IBS University, which was formally recognised as a private university in 2016. Today, IBS University offers degree programmes in accounting, business, economics and information technology.
Prime Minister Marape said Sir Mick’s efforts came at a time when higher education opportunities in Papua
New Guinea were limited, particularly for working professionals and aspiring business leaders.
“May the seed that you have planted grow into a great and mighty tree,” the Prime Minister said.
“May it bless thousands of children who will pass through that institution — not only to graduate academically, but to graduate in life.”
Government Approval of IBS University
Prime Minister Marape used the occasion to announce that the National Executive Council has approved IBS to be fully recognised as a university, reaffirming the Government’s confidence in the institution’s academic standards, governance and long-term national contribution.
“The Government has now approved IBS to be fully recognised as a university,” the Prime Minister announced. “This decision reflects our confidence in the quality, discipline and vision that Sir Mick and his team have demonstrated over decades.”
He said the approval marks a significant milestone for private higher education in Papua New Guinea, strengthening the national tertiary framework and expanding access to quality education in business and professional disciplines.
“This recognition validates decades of investment and commitment. It ensures that IBS University stands firmly within our national higher education system, contributing to the human capital development our country needs for the next 50 years,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Contributions to Sport, Community and National Development
Beyond education, Sir Mick has made lasting contributions to sport and community development. As Chairman of Cricket PNG from 2006 to 2016, he played a key role in elevating the sport’s international standing, including securing One Day International status for the national team.
He has also supported elite athletes through partnerships between IBS University and national sporting programmes, including targeted assistance for Papua New Guinea’s taekwondo athletes preparing for international competition.
Sir Mick’s service has been recognised both locally and internationally, including honours such as MBE, CBE, and commendation from the International Olympic Committee for his sustained contribution to education and sport.
Prime Minister’s Closing Tribute
In closing his address, Prime Minister Marape invited Sir Mick to the stage to receive ceremonial honours, calling on government and community leaders to recognise his enduring legacy of service to education and nation-building. He said the Government’s approval of IBS as a fully recognised university was a fitting acknowledgement of Sir Mick’s lifelong vision and commitment to developing Papua New Guinea’s human capital.
“As we look ahead with confidence, we do so knowing that what has been built over decades is now fully realised — a school fully established, fully accredited, and fully recognised by Government as a university,” the Prime Minister said.
The celebration concluded with words of appreciation from Prime Minister Marape to Sir Mick, his family and all those who have supported his extraordinary journey of service to Papua New Guinea.
About Sir Mick Nades
Sir Mick Nades is the founder of IBS University, a respected entrepreneur and a lifelong advocate for education, sport and community development in Papua New Guinea. His work has expanded access to higher education and professional qualifications for thousands of Papua New Guineans.