Theft at UPNG jeopardizes scholarship opportunity with Russia
A recent theft at the University of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has jeopardized negotiations for academic scholarship with one of Russia’s prestigious universities.
In a circular dated 24 September 2019, UPNG’s Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Frank Griffin stated that the theft of personal items belonging to Nickoy Miklouho-Maclay from the Michael Somare Library is an embarrassment to the institution and has put a strain on the relationship between PNG and Russia.
The stupid theft is an extreme embarrassment to the premier University of Papua New Guinea and our staff, and a serious slur on the majority of our students. This act has also driven a wedge between the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Russia as negotiations for academic and other relationships were being formalized to give our students opportunities to be offered scholarships to one of Russia’s prestigious universities. This relationship has now been seriously jeopardized by this criminal act.
Prof. Frank Griffin, UPNG Circular No. 658 (26/19)
According to the circular, Maclay’s bag was stolen from the Russian Culture Display Area at the library on the morning of Monday, 23 September 2019 which contained his Apple laptop, phones, wallet credit cards and a draft of a Memorandum of Agreements (MOA) between the Governments of Russian, PNG and the university.
It also stated that the thief was also caught on CCTV trying to use Maclay’s credit cards at a CPL outlet that same afternoon.
Professor Griffin is calling on the students and public with any information regarding the theft to come forward and help recover the stolen items.
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