Appointment of college principal illegal: Sori

The National National

By REBECCA KUKU
The Teaching Service Act does not allow any minister or MP to make any appointments in nationally owned schools and institutions, says Teaching Service Commission (TSC) chairman Baran Sori.
He said this following the suspension of Port Moresby Business College principal Willie Angu, who was appointed by Minister for Higher Education Pila Nininigi.
Attempts to reach Niningi for comment yesterday were not successful.
Sori told The National that the appointment was “illegal as only the national education board (NEB) had the right to appoint principals”.
“Angu is a member of the Teaching Service Commission,” Sori said.
“He is employed by Teaching Service Commission but does not meet the criteria to apply for or become a principal.
“He is a base level 6 lecturer and the position of principal is base level 10 and above.”
Sori said TSC did not intend to disrupt the operation of the school but correct the error that was made.
“The lecturer was illegally appointed by the Minister for Higher Education Research Science and Technology,” he said.
“We have suspended him affective as of Feb 25.
“He is suspended with pay for 14 working days.
“While he is suspended, he must release any college properties, including vehicles and office keys to the deputy principal administration and academic (office).
“He will no longer issue instructions to the staff as well as students of Port Moresby Business College.
“He is also barred from going into the principal’s office.”
Sori said Angu was suspended by TSC after he failed to follow instructions from the chairman of NEB to step down.
“Angu was also alleged to have illegally suspended the deputy principal of Port Moresby Business College,” he said.
“It also follows his use of the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology letterhead.
“All administrative and legislative powers are still with the national education board and Teaching Service Commission, and are yet to be transferred to the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Tenhnology.”