Student demands rejected by UOG

  By ZACHERY PER

THE University of Goroka has rejected a list of demands in a petition by protesting students, advising them to immediately end their boycott of classes.

Goroka police removed objects blocking the entrance to the university yesterday and told the students to return to classes.

But students, who had painted their bodies and faces with mud, said they would continue the boycott unless all their grievances were satisfactorily resolved.

UOG chancellor Benias Sabumei told the students in the presence of Henganofi MP Robert Atiayafa and provincial police commander Supt John Kale that their demand to have vice-chancellor Dr Gairo Onagi  resign would not be entertained.

He said the vice-chancellor had a legally-binding contract and it would be illegal to force him to vacate office.

Sabumei said the students’ demand for an investigation into the administration was groundless. 

The council decided there would be no investigation.

Sabumei also told the students that their voice must be raised through their respective studies instead of their regional groups.

Sabumei and Atiayafa urged the students to return to classes as they were depriving other students of their rights to education.

Pro-vice chancellor Prof Michael Mel warned the students that if they continued the boycott, their academic programme would be disrupted, especially the micro-teaching and teaching practices.

But student leader Nelson Nelo insisted that the grievances should be addressed amicably. 

He also said it would be an insult to PNG culture if their regional groups were not recognised at the university.

The students said they were considering withdrawing from studies.