Niningi aware of Siaguru case

MINISTER for Higher Education, Science and Technology Pila Niningi says police have charged the former vice-chancellor of the University of Vudal with misuse of funds.
Niningi said he was aware of the allegations against Dr Philip Siaguru and the department had taken appropriate measures to stop further abuse and misuse of funds.
Niningi was responding to Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat who wanted to know what action had been taken against the vice-chancellor who had approved the payment of K12 million for the construction of a K16 million library without the approval of the Secretary for Finance.
Niningi said he had referred the matter to police who had arrested and charged Siaguru.
He said the relationship between Fr Jan Czube (department secretary) and Siagiaru had nothing to do with him. But he said Czube had resigned as a council member to prevent any conflict of interest when dealing with university issues.
He said some members of the university council were asked to remain but decided to leave.
Marat said the university was in his electorate and he had interest in the institution.
He said the University of Vudal Act of 1997 gave authority to the university council to run the university and to report directly to the Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology.