Council appoints new university management

PROFESSOR Aisak Pue is the new vice-chancellor of the PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE) after Dr Pongie Kichawen was terminated.
No reason was given for Kichawen’s removal and staff seemed to be confused as they had not heard of his demise.
Pue was appointed VC on a one-year contract.
According to him, the university council also appointed the head of forestry at the university, Dr Francis Essacu as the acting pro-vice-chancellor planning and development and head of fisheries and marine resources at the university Anas Aisi as acting pro-vice-chancellor academic.
Pue said Kichawen was appointed by the council as VC in December last year.
He explained that earlier last month, a council meeting at Kairak Vudal Resource Training Centre (KVRTC) suspended Kichawen as VC for 14 working days effective Aug 3.
“A special council meeting was held on Aug 22, the council deliberated on the suspension and took the decision to terminate his services,” Pue said.
Pue appealed to the staff to exercise their duty with care and diligence and serve the legitimate administration of the day.
“I urge you all to recognise this administration and let’s all work together for the betterment of this university,” he said.
However, most of the staff from PNG UNRE are not aware of Kichawen’s termination.