Sumbuk keeps top job at uni

National

By Rebecca Kuku
PROFESSOR Kenneth Sumbuk will remain the vice-chancellor of the University of PNG while submissions for the appointment of Dr Frank Griffin to the position are made to the National Executive Council.
Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari told university staff yesterday that they would make a submission for
Dr Griffin as he was appointed through a 50-year-old merit-based process which had been in use since 1965. “Many of us have gone through these university and obtained our degrees. I can tell you that a degree is only as good as the signature on it.
“So the integrity of the university must never be compromised.”
Lupari said a submission for a permanent interim council would also be submitted to NEC for deliberation and approval.
“The previous council will not be reinstated but some members from the current council will remain.”
Lupari also called for the university to work in partnership with the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology (DHERST) and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Lupari will lead an independent investigation into the affairs of the interim council.
He told university staff members yesterday that he would personally lead the investigation and that the DHERST and UPNG would stay out of it. “Disciplinary cases will also be done by the new vice-chancellor and the new interim council and there will be no political interference.”
“Our learning institutions are decaying so let’s work together to give the best to our students.”
Higher Education Minister Pila Niningi said that he would not take part in any administrative issues of the university but stand with them,
“I stepped in and appointed a new interim council because the house was not in order,” he said.
He said that he had submitted a proposal for K44m to the NEC to renovate and maintain dormitories and lecture halls at the university.
UPNG staff and Nasa members have boycotted classes since Monday but they will resume tomorrow.