UPNG staff to protest political interference
More than 200 staff at the University of Papua New Guinea are expected to stop work today to protest undue political interference in the university’s business.
This was revealed by an insider who wanted to remain anonymous.
According to the insider, all UPNG lecturers and support staff held a meeting on Friday and agreed to stop teaching and carrying out researches.
We have come to this conclusion because of the appointments and the hiring and firing of existing members. There is chaos at the administration level here at UPNG.
Anonymous UPNG insider
The insider said the reasons for this drastic action include the termination of terms of employment of the registrar, the appointment of new board members including the chancellor and the vice chancellor.
We are just asking the government why?
Today there will be no classes as the staff will all stop work and will line up at the university with their demands.
Our president has our demands, he will clearly spell out the demands from the staff here at UPNG today.
The UPNG saga started prior to the start of the 2019 academic year when Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Pila Ninigi suspended the university council and the acting vice-chancellor.
Following the suspension was the announcement of the new acting vice-chancellor, Professor Kenneth Sumbuk after a special meeting held by the university interim council per the term of reference set by Mr Niningi.
Mr Ninigi had issued directives to revoke the membership of the governing body of the university and set out a total of 16 terms of reference for the university interim council.
The appointment of Prof Sumbuk was as per the first term reference. Prof Sumbuk’s appointment would remain for 12 month or until the appointment of a permanent vice-chancellor.
- UPNG staff to protest political interference - March 4, 2019
- School gets surprise from construction company - September 13, 2018
