2 days Ago By Bramo Tingkeo
FROM dropping out as an economics undergraduate to becoming a police officer, Inspector Siki Yongapen has not only achieved a Honours Degree in Law, but also received the top male law student award. Insp Yongapen, 38, from Sirunki LLG in the Lagaip district of Enga Province, has walked a long journey of education, faith, and perseverance. In his early years, he was raised by a single mother after the passing of his father when he was in Grade 7.
Despite the hardships, he completed Grades 11 and 12 at Wabag Secondary School in 2004. In 2005, he was accepted to study a Bachelor of Economics at the University of Papua New Guinea. However, due to financial constraints, he was forced to withdraw from his studies in 2008.
Faced with limited options, he applied for police recruitment and was successfully accepted. He completed his training at Bomana Police College in 2009 and began his seven-year service as a Constable with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). In 2017, he applied to advance his rank and, after two years of further training, was commissioned as an Inspector with the Special Services Division (SSD) in 2019.
Stationed at McGregor Barracks at 9-Mile, NCD, Insp Yongapen began his law studies in 2021, balancing the demanding duties of policing with his academic life. “Everything I do in my role as a police officer is connected to the law. That realisation inspired me to pursue further legal education,” he said.
The journey was not easy. Juggling shift work, official duties, family responsibilities, and academic deadlines required immense discipline and sacrifice. “I would often study between 1am and 4am after my family had gone to sleep,” he said.
Yet, he credits his greatest source of strength to his family, particularly his wife. “My wife has been with me every step of the way. Without her support, I don’t think I would have made it.
When your spouse supports you, success becomes possible,” he said. He also acknowledges the support from his friends, who recorded lectures and shared notes when he missed classes due to his duties as an officer. Insp Yongapen’s decision to study law was not about starting over but about strengthening his ability to serve within the Constabulary.
“For me, it was about finding solutions to challenges in police work. Studying law gave me new perspectives and knowledge that I can now apply directly to my work,” he said. Looking ahead, he aspires to further his legal career by enrolling at the Legal Training Institute (LTI) and eventually pursuing a Master’s Degree in Law.
“Just earning a degree is not enough. I want to go further, to improve myself and to better serve the police force and my country,” he said. The journey, however, was not without financial struggles.
Relying on salary deductions and occasional support from his superiors, Insp. Yongapen managed to finance his education while balancing family responsibilities. Encouraging his fellow colleagues, he said, “Nothing is impossible.
If you are committed and determined, you can overcome any obstacle. There are no real limitations in life unless you let them stop you.”.
