PNG Education Minister Kuman upset over UPNG termination

Papua New Guinea Education  Minister Nick Kuman is disappointed with the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) council decision to terminate the 2016 academic year.

The UPNG Council shut down the 2016 Academic year after 9 weeks of students boycott and unrest at the campus.

UPNG Chancellor Dr Nickolas Mann who announced the decision said, the UPNG Council decision is to protect the integrity and quality of the university, as its the premium university in the country.

Dr Mann explained that the Council decision is based on two grounds.

"The basis of the decision is two folds. Firstly, is the academic environment, ah the council is convinced that the environment where the process of learning and teaching is not suitable at this pointing time, the lack of peace in the heart of students and staff is a tangible situation therefore the council had came up with the decision. The second aspect of the decision is the issuance of violence that we have seen on the 23rd and 24th of June at the Campus.And the fact that classrooms doors were opened but students were reluctant to attend due to intimidation".

Mr Kuman  was not pleases with the council's decision  and said yesterday that Cabinet had taken steps on the decision as a result of problems at the three State universities - the University of Papua New Guinea, the University of Goroka and the University of Technology.

"We want to safeguard the interests of the majority of students who attend these universities, and our position is to ensure curfews in those institutions to bring about normalcy in the running of the universities.

"Unfortunately, the council in its own wisdom terminated the academic year," Mr Kuman said.

He said that the decision will have a negative effect and repercussion in 2017, particularly with the first year students that will attend the university.

"We will be sending out more than 200,000 students in examinations this year.

"I am mindful that students who come out of the system will be applying as first years in 2017.

"I hope the council takes heed of that process and comes to a consultation.

"I am requesting that the council reconsider its decision," he said.