Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has congratulated the Aiyura National School of Excellence (formerly Aiyura National High School) on its 50th anniversary, describing the institution as one of Papua New Guinea’s premier schools that has produced generations of national leaders and professionals.

The Prime Minister said the school’s golden jubilee coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of Independence, making it a fitting time to reflect on the critical role Aiyura has played in nation-building.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Board, management, staff, students, alumni and the surrounding communities on this significant milestone.

“For five decades, Aiyura has stood as a beacon of academic excellence, producing some of our nation’s finest leaders in government, business, education, medicine, engineering, agriculture, science, law, the churches, the disciplined forces and many other fields.

“One of Aiyura’s greatest strengths has been its ability to bring together the brightest young Papua New Guineans from every province to learn, live and grow together. The lifelong friendships and national networks forged here have contributed immensely to building a stronger and more united Papua New Guinea.”

Prime Minister Marape said Aiyura National School of Excellence is one of Papua New Guinea’s six National Schools of Excellence that have become the cornerstone of the Government’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and overseas scholarship programme.

“Our Government has invested significantly in the National Schools of Excellence because we believe Papua New Guinea’s future depends on nurturing our brightest young minds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Aiyura has played a pivotal role in this vision. Its outstanding STEM students have been among those awarded Papua New Guinea Government scholarships to pursue higher education in countries including the United States, China and India, studying disciplines such as engineering, medicine, biotechnology, computer science, artificial intelligence and other critical fields.

“These scholarships are an investment in our nation’s future. We are preparing a new generation of Papua New Guinean scientists, engineers, doctors, researchers and innovators who will return home with world-class knowledge and skills to drive our country’s development.

“The success of Aiyura and the other National Schools of Excellence demonstrates that Papua New Guinea can produce students who are internationally competitive and capable of excelling at some of the world’s leading universities.”

Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged the dedication and sacrifices of generations of principals, teachers, support staff, parents and the surrounding communities whose commitment has sustained the school’s proud tradition of excellence over the past five decades.

“As we celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of Independence, it is fitting that we also celebrate institutions such as Aiyura that have helped build our nation by investing in its most valuable resource—its people.”

The Prime Minister noted that the anniversary also holds special significance for his family, as his wife, Mrs Rachael Marape, is a proud alumna of Aiyura’s Class of 1989.

“My wife, Rachael, is among the many distinguished Papua New Guineans who have walked the halls of Aiyura. The values, discipline and lifelong friendships she gained here have remained with her throughout her life. This celebration is therefore not only a national milestone but also a special personal occasion for our family.”

Prime Minister Marape encouraged current students to uphold Aiyura’s proud legacy by striving for excellence, embracing innovation and using their education to serve the nation.

“Continue to dream big, work hard and seize every opportunity before you. The future of Papua New Guinea will be shaped by young people like you, equipped with knowledge, integrity and a heart for service.”

Prime Minister Marape wished all former students, staff and guests attending the anniversary celebrations every success as they reunite to celebrate five decades of excellence, friendship and national service.

“Congratulations to the Aiyura National School of Excellence family on your Golden Jubilee. May God continue to bless this great institution as it inspires generations of Papua New Guineans for the next 50 years, and may God continue to bless our beloved Papua New Guinea.”