PNG University students should undergo aptitude tests, stresses official

A government official supports the idea that students should be tested before getting into the University of Goroka.

The Deputy Secretary for Economic & Infrastructure Sector & International Relations, Frank Aisi, made the statement after receiving the UOG independent investigation report.

“I would like to support and emphasise on one of the recommendations of the report about aptitude test for admission into the UOG," said Aisi.

“I think that is a very important aspect for student entry so that we can produce quality and not poor quality and half-baked students who gain entry into universities by dubious means."

He also commended the investigation team’s report and its recommendations as a result of the student unrest at the UOG campus.

“It was a good initiative by the administration to undertake such an independent investigation to find out the root causes of the unrest.

“The report is good as it may form the basis of further inquiry that may be instituted by the government.”

Aisi said everyone should leave the past and move on with the core business of running the University for our future generation.

UOG’s vice-chancellor, Professor Musawe Sinebare, said the recommendations that fall under the UOG Administration will be implemented.

“I would like to assure students, parents and the Government that the management will do our best to address some of the problems and recommendations highlighted by the investigation.”

The Government is in the process of having the University of Goroka, University of Technology and the University of PNG complete its academic programs this year.

Classes at the three premier institutions were suspended due to prolonged student unrest.

The report noted that the unrest at the UOG was a result of students who were sick and tired of others stopping them from going to studies.

“They were so frustrated that they started a genuine complaint but unfortunately, it turned into violence,” the chairman of the investigation team said.

Chancellor Prof. Joseph Sukwianomb said the University Council will convene a meeting to deliberate on the report’s recommendations.

“We want to assure the Government, parents, students and sponsors that the University of Goroka is on course.

“We have built the confidence and learned to move on despite the challenges to train future teachers for the country,” he said.