Ex-envoy named UPNG chancellor

By GYNNIE KERO and REBECCA KUKU
ROBERT Igara, pictured, has been appointed Chancellor of the University of PNG.
Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Pila Niningi said Igara would head university interim council.
His name had been endorsed by the National Executive Council.
He replaces businessman Jeffery Kennedy who resigned recently.
Niningi also named Gabriel Pepson and Peter Vagi as council members.
“The whole interim council members I appointed (in January) remain,” he said.
“By way of information, the power of appointment of the interim council is vested with me.
“The NEC only endorsed my appointment.
“Now there are 13 members on the UPNG interim council.
“It still has vacancies for a student and staff representatives. The council membership will (then) be 15.”
Igara is a former diplomat and former Chief Secretary to Government.
Niningi also appointed Professor Frank Griffin vice-chancellor.
“In drawing the members of the interim council together, I have given careful attention to ensuring an appropriate skills mix for sound governance of a major public university,” he said.
“There are lawyers, accountants, auditors, experts in governance, human resources and business, and senior academics.
“Members have been selected based on their expertise and their independence of previous involvement in UPNG governance or management.”