College expels 76 students in fee scandal

By TONY PALME
THE 76 students, who allegedly defrauded Enga Teachers’ College of K222,180 in school fees since last year, have been expelled.
Principal Michael Homingu confirmed yesterday they were expelled on Monday.
He said most of the students received termination letters willingly and accepted the decision of the college’s governing council.
“Some cried and asked for leniency and open transfer to other teachers colleges but the school board had made its decision considering the nature of the matter,” Homingu said.
“They (students) have knowingly and deliberately committed a very serious crime to defraud the college and they know the consequences that come with such crime.
“The option that is open to them now is to pursue a different career pathway or if it is their burning desire to become a teacher, they can make a strong appeal to the National Education Board why they should be given a second chance.
“But they have already blown away that chance (to become a teacher) to be trained professionally and ethically.”
The principal said some of them were surprised of their children’s termination, knowing that they had given them the full fees.
Homingu said the students had misused their parents’ trust and fed some crooked conmen who became rich at their expense.
He said teacher education division assistant secretary Allan Jim condemned the actions of the students to collude with fraudsters.