Universitas Terbuka (UT) continues to strengthen its role in developing human resources (SDM) in various parts of the country, including Gorontalo Province. Through a flexible distance education system, UT opens wide opportunities for the community, including early childhood education (PAUD) teachers and village officials, to attain higher education. 

This commitment was conveyed by the Director of UT Gorontalo, Safriansyah, S.Sos., M.Si., during a meeting with the Regent of Gorontalo, Hi. Sofyan Puhi, S.T., at the regent’s office. This meeting aimed to strengthen the accessibility and flexibility of higher education for all citizens, as well as to encourage the improvement of the competence of PAUD educators and the empowerment of village officials through the Government Science Study Program. 

Several key commitments of UT Gorontalo in this collaboration include: 

• Accessibility of higher education: UT provides very wide access for communities in various remote areas to obtain quality higher education. 

• Learning flexibility: UT’s distance learning system is very flexible, allowing students to study anytime without being limited by space and time. 

• Improving the competence of PAUD teachers: UT’s scholarship and training programs support efforts to improve the quality of early childhood education (PAUD) teachers in Gorontalo. 

• Empowerment of village officials: Through the Government Science Study Program, UT provides Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for village officials who have worked for two years, allowing them to directly continue their studies from the third semester. 

“In UT’s vision, we are committed to equalizing higher education for all levels of society,” said Director Safriansyah. “Our online lecture policy is open to anyone, whether civil servants, teachers, or villagers, without location and time limits. This is in line with the spirit of SDG 4, which realizes inclusive quality education for all.” Safriansyah added that with UT’s online system, PAUD teachers can study while working, gaining new knowledge without leaving their daily tasks. 

Regent Sofyan Puhi positively welcomed UT’s support. “Education is the key to progress,” said Sofyan Puhi. “We fully support UT Gorontalo’s programs to realize SDG 4 in this region. UT’s learning flexibility greatly helps PAUD teachers and village officials improve their competence. We also appreciate the policy of recognizing two years of work experience for village officials, as they can directly continue their studies from the third semester.” He hopes that this synergy can produce intelligent and competitive human resources, from cities to remote villages. 

Through this meeting, UT Gorontalo has proven its dedication to “opening access to higher education as widely as possible” for the entire community. With the support of the regency government, UT is making a real contribution towards the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4: Quality Education. The spirit of “UT for all” strengthens joint steps towards a smarter and more inclusive Gorontalo.