Putting UPNG back on track

IN recent days, the premier University of PNG has succumbed to a barrage of rebuke, backlash and criticism from wider public audiences about the declining standard and quality of learning and facilities it has and operates on.
UPNG is one of the State universities.
Therefore, stakeholders, parents and the citizens of this nation have prerogative rights to express their individualistic views – either benevolent or malevolent – about the status and affairs of the university because it belonged to them for generations.
Comments and criticisms from public forums are indeed healthy measures for Government, via Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology (DHERST) and the university council, to make necessary changes to resurrect and recoup former academic glories and standards.
The current move by Minister for DHERST Pila Niningi is a positive signal for UPNG to restore and maintain its standard and quality.
The interim university council now is headed by the youngest chancellor Jeffery Dean Kennedy and veteran vice-chancellor Prof Kenneth Sumbuk.
Their purpose is to put UPNG back on track.
That is the holistic notion of change that is being done.
To restore former glories of UPNG needs everyone’s efforts and cooperation by the university council.
The log jam to progress is normally caused by internal differences.
Both academic and non-academic staffers work closely with the university council to foster for change and growth.
UPNG is a unique from other universities because it was established during pre-independence era in 1962.
PNG was then still under a mandated territory of Australia.
The university was purposely for young nationalists to be mentally equipped for them to rule their own country and affairs.
The point here is: UPNG was established to produce leaders to spearhead this nation.
Of course, so far it has produced five prime ministers, and 90 per cent of senior cabinet ministers.
MPs are UPNG products and others who are now proud high commissioners and ambassadors serving diplomatic missions overseas and here in PNG.
The blessing to rule and control this nation is only found in UPNG and no other university.
For whosoever comes into UPNG, goes out with this natural blessing of leadership, to be future leaders of tomorrow in both public and private domains.
Despite public chorus of scepticism, UPNG is simply the best in terms of standard and quality.
Its products are competent ones who seem to leverage and rule this nation forever.

Max M Wapi