Univeristy of Goroka students threaten Mass withdrawal over study period extension to 6 years

Students at the University of Goroka are threatening to withdraw in masses after receiving an unfavorable response to their petition, to reverse the Governing Council decision's to extend the Bachelor of Education degree program to 6 years instead of the usual 4 years.
More than 400 first and second students this morning gathered, with placards and banners, chanting "mass withdrawal".
U-O-G's vice chancellor, Associate Professor Michael Mel, in a meeting with the students, said the changes are in the implementation stages and will not be removed.
Professor Mel, said, it is up to the students, if they want to withdraw.
Students' Representative Council President Chris Ambai said they want the management to call the office of higher Education to come down to solve the issue because they are their main sponsor.
Mr. Ambai is appealing to government to immediately look into the matter because it will affect the academic program at the university.
The reason for the extension of two years is for them to be qualified with teaching skills and four years to be spent only on the content knowledge.
Meanwhile, their plan to conduct an awareness around Goroka town was cancelled by the police because they are afraid youths might take advantage to trigger unnecessary rampage in town.