The University of Papua New Guinea, UPNG, will run a UPNG open college in Honiara beginning in July this year.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ross Hynes made the announcement over the weekend stating that the UPNG centre would provide initially certificate in tertiary and community studies courses.

Professor Hynes said that the centre would be in a position to provide diploma and degree courses in 2008. Professor Hynes said UPNG would do its best to assist Solomon Islands in tertiary education.

Mr Sogavare who was in Port Moresby over the weekend also encouraged Solomon Islands students at UPNG and Pacific Adventist University to be good ambassadors while in PNG, and must provide the leadership needed in their country after graduation.