News Blog

DWU Library Resources Support National Research on Corruption and Public Finance

Dr. Olugbenga Ige, Program Leader and Senior Research Fellow with the National Security and International Relations Research Program at the National Research Institute (NRI), has been conducting research into corruption, anti-corruption measures, government reports, finance and budget issues at Divine Word University’s Noser Memorial Archives Library at the Madang Campus.

The Noser Memorial Archives Library is a reference library dedicated to Papua New Guinea studies and serves academic staff, students, researchers and scholars. Its collection comprises more than 10,000 items, including books on Papua New Guinea and Pacific history, government publications, historical records, correspondence, notes and diaries from SVD members, as well as reports from the German and Australian administrations.

Divine Word University was selected as an important research location based on its strong academic reputation, respected leadership and extensive library resources.

“DWU has a reputation of producing top-notch students,” Dr. Ige said. This reputation is reflected in the contribution of DWU graduates who are now working with organisations and institutions across the country, including the National Research Institute.

He also acknowledged Dr. Thomas Webster, Chair of the DWU Governing Council and former long-serving Director of NRI, as a respected figure whose contribution reflects the University’s standing within Papua New Guinea and internationally.

Most importantly for his research, Dr. Ige highlighted the quality and range of resources available through the University’s libraries. His research team identified approximately 109 relevant documents and materials at DWU that could contribute to the project.

“That shows me the prestige and the contribution to knowledge that attributes Divine Word University,” he said.

As part of the wider research project, the team visited several libraries and research institutions across the country, including the Matheson Library at the University of Technology, Michael Somare Library at the University of Papua New Guinea, the institutional library at SILAG, Pacific Adventist University Library, the National Library of Papua New Guinea and the Library at the National Court in Waigani.

While useful resources were identified at the different institutions, Dr. Ige said DWU’s collection stood out during their research.

“Of all the libraries that we have visited, the materials that we have identified are at DWU’s Library,” he said.

Beyond the academic resources, Dr. Ige also acknowledged the welcoming environment at Divine Word University and said he would gladly return for future research.

“There is this atmosphere of friendliness. Each morning I look forward to coming to this place,” he said.

He spoke positively about his interactions with the Noser Memorial Archives Library staff, students and the wider DWU community, saying the friendly atmosphere across the campus made his research experience enjoyable.

Dr. Ige also expressed his appreciation to the staff of the DWU Library and Noser Memorial Archives Library, as well as the students and wider DWU community, for their support and assistance throughout his research at the University.

Dr. Ige’s research highlights the important role academic and archival libraries play in supporting evidence-based research on national issues such as corruption, governance, public finance and accountability. His experience at Divine Word University also demonstrates the broader contribution the University’s library resources make towards research, knowledge development and informed policy discussions in Papua New Guinea.