Lupari: Review decision

THE Government has urged the University of PNG administrators to review their decision to close down the academic year following the nine-week protest by students.
Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari met Chancellor Dr Nicholas Mann, Vice-Chancellor Professor Albert Mellam and senior academic staff yesterday following the decision to cancel the teaching and learning activities.
“While we appreciate and understand the basis of their decision, I have asked them to see if they can review their decision,” he said.
“We still have six months left in the year.
“These months can be used to salvage some part of the 2016 academic year.
“I know it will be extremely difficult but we have to try for the sake of our children.
“The Government stands ready to assist in whatever way it can to salvage the 2016 academic year.”
Lupari said the Government had made it clear that it wanted to see the continuation of the 2016 academic.
“It is prepared to supply the necessary financial resources required for this,” he said.
“What has happened in the last nine weeks is regrettable. We can’t change that. What is important now is the education of our students. This must be central to any decision we make now and tomorrow.
“If we do not work together and still dwell on our differences, we will be depriving our children from receiving their education and hence the country will suffer greatly in the long run.
“For this, we must work together – the Government, Opposition, university council and every member of our civil society to find a peaceful and workable solution.”