Minister tells universities to generate own revenue

UNIVERSITIES have been urged to generate revenue instead of relying solely on the government.
Universities were established under their own Act which allowed them to have business arms, said Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Minister Pila Niningi.
“A university must have the capacity to raise its own money like other institutions all over the world are doing,” he said.
He said during tough economic times, universities should be self-reliant and allow the government to concentrate on other areas.
He advised the Univeristy of PNG chancellor in a recent meeting to reduce expenses and use its assets to generate revenue.
“If you guys can’t do it, some in the private sector will be included in the (UPNG) council membership so that this massive exercise has to be driven,” he said.
“The government has an obligation to assist but university has an obligation to help itself.”
He said universities had assets which they could make money from. “They are running like a public servants. That attitude has to change. Think like a businessman.”
UPNG Vice-Chancellor Vincent Malaibe said they had been raising money to meet some costs but would also reduce expenditure and focus on its core business.
Mailabe said the university’s core business was teaching, learning and research. But at the moment, the university has an additional responsibility to house and feed students “which is not core business”.