Students to blame for unrest at UOG

 I AM a parent and local resident and have observed how the University of Goroka (UOG) strike began from the time a group of drunken students were terminated to the time when male rugby team returned from the vice chancellor’s cup challenge in Lae.

The current unrest was started by a few disgruntled male students who were not happy about the rugby team not being assisted financially as well as the disciplinary action taken against some male students for drinking and in possession of offensive weapons on campus. 

Because some members of the SRC were players themselves and friends of those students terminated it was easy for them to support the idea for a strike brought up by those affected. 

The majority of the striking students had no idea why they were striking but simply joined the minority group out of fear of being threatened and harassed.  

Most of the students claim they were fighting for their rights but in all their speeches not even one of their leaders mentioned the specific rights that have been grossly violated by the management. 

To date their reasons for the strike remains unknown but from what the student leaders have been saying and from seeing the general behaviour of students residing on campus shows that the students want to have more freedom so they can live as they please on campus. 

Rules are being violated by students and security guards are being threatened and harassed as students move freely into opposite sexes’ dormitories. 

Alcohol consumption, smoking and use of foul language have increased and become a norm. Order and discipline has totally collapsed at this university since the strike began a few weeks ago. 

The current management for many years was able to contain the students and proven its ability to bring about growth and expansion as shown by the positive changes that are taking place at the university. 

Infrastructure development, student and staff services have improved a lot compared to previous administrations. 

The current course restructure is another evidence of the management team’s efforts towards improving its programmes so that the needs of the nation are met. 

UOG is experiencing continued growth and the reason for that success is effective leadership displayed at the top management level. 

The management team is comprised of selfless visionary leaders who  put the interest of the university and the nation above anything else. 

They have shown decisive leadership and are always firm when making decisions in the interest of the institution. 

The current students are enjoying much of the benefits of the good decisions made by the management team and they cannot deny this. 

Although, this is what the current management team is doing for the university it is often challenged by students and most times these students use their links to influence other student leaders to support and effect their selfish plans like the one that is going on right now.   

Are these the kind of human resources the university or the country is investing heavily to develop as professional teachers who would impact their students and schools positively or is the institution training teachers who would half-heartedly serve the department and be liabilities to the nation?

The current crop of students is the one the old education system has allowed to take a smooth flight through. They have been spoon-fed right from the start and expect the same at the tertiary level. 

With the matter now before the minister I hope and trust this stand-off will be resolved with a much greater wisdom and fairness taking into consideration the common interest of the university and the nation and not entertaining a little selfish group who only care about themselves and their destructive lifestyles.    

Tru Ave

Goroka, EHP