Lecturer backs UOG protest

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Friday 19th April 2013

 By ZACHERY PER

A LECTURER at the University of Goroka has thrown his support behind students boycotting classes over the university’s failure to address their grievances.

Father Cirro Biondi, an Italian lecturer in social justice for human rights in religious studies, was applauded by the protesting students as he boldly walked over to their side. It is believed that he is one of the teaching and ancillary staff silently backing the students’ protest. 

Students yesterday displayed placards calling on vice-chancellor Dr Gairo Onagi to step down and be replaced by pro vice-chancellor associate professor Michael Mel.

About 75% of the students signed a petition yesterday listing their grievances to be given to the university council. 

The petition was to have been given yesterday to the university management but no one was available to receive it.

A security officer has been acting as a mediator between the students and the university administration comprising Onagi, Dr Kini Yoko, Mel and  registrar David Hosea.

Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Don Polye has appealed for students to immediately end their boycott of classes and refrain from destroying university properties.

Polye also called on the university council to submit a report to his office on how the issue escalated and what measures they were taking.