Investigations start at Goroka uni

AN independent investigation team will commence proceedings at the University of Goroka, Eastern Highlands province, today.
As directed by the UOG council, a three-person committee has been established to investigate several concerns outlined in an agreed term of reference (TOR) document previously submitted by the students representative council (SRC) and the National Academic Staff Association (NASA) at UOG.
Some of the concerns are matters relating to governance, processes and procedures, administration, academic, student welfare, staff welfare and financial matters.
The independent investigation committee comprises former attorney-general Michael Gene, academic Prof Allan Easton, and accountant George Kuno.
The team will meet with representatives from the UOG council, SRC, NASA and the UOG management to look at issues contained within the TOR document.
The investigation will continue until April 29, after which the university council will meet to consider the findings of the report and make recommendations.
UOG Chancellor Benais Sabumei said the investigation would be completely independent to ensure the findings and recommendations were unbiased and neutral.
The investigation committee will appoint its own administration staff, and the university will provide logistical support for the duration of the investigation.
Mr Sabumei said he was pleased to see that classes have resumed, and things were back to normal at the university.
Students boycotted classes at the start of the year, demanding the removal of the interim UOG Council, and an investigation into the administration of the university.
The boycott went on for seven weeks.