Let intelligence, maturity prevail at Unitech

ALMOST half of the semester has fallen deficit in the academic calendar as crisis looms at the University of Technology (Unitech) campus.
The students and the government have taken opposing views on the Schram saga but called for the same which is to suspend the 2014 academic year.
The students’ demand that Dr Albert Schram to be reinstated as vice-chancellor may be valid based on infrastructure development and improvement in academic performance.
During his short spell prior to his removal, Schram ensured that campus roads were sealed and new students’ dormitories were built.
The government had asked the students to return to classes because the Sevua inquiry had not cleared the allegations against Schram.
It seems the government does not buy into the idea of retaining Schram as head of the university.
With both parties taking two opposing views, students should not use this occasion as a political propaganda to intimidate the government.
They should not threaten to boycott the entire 2014 academic year if the government fails to meet their demand to reinstate Schram.
It is childish and irrational.
Intelligence and maturity is expected on the part of the students and their leaders in handling sensitive issues that are threatening the operation of the university and their future.
It is high time for the students and their leaders to show professionalism by coming up with an alternate answer to this long-standing issue if they wish to pressure the government to meet their demands.

Jeffrey Saigomi
Port Moresby