University urges govt to pay fee component

THE University of Goroka (UOG) is appealing to the Government for funds to complete its first semester programmes for this year.
UOG chancellor Joseph Sukwianomb said some students had not paid any fees when they registered under the Higher Education Loan Programme (Help).
“If nothing is forthcoming from the Government through the loans (Help), then there will be serious cashflow challenges for the university,” he said.
“We may be forced to close down because of the costs of feeding and accommodating students on the campus,” Sukwianomb warned.
He assured parents that students were taken care of during the lockdown period.
“Students were also advised not to return to their homes but to remain on campus for reasons of security and risks of contracting Covid-19, should there be an outbreak,” he said.
“There is sufficient stock of food, water and emergency medicines to take care of the staff and students for the lockdown period.”
He said two weeks of semester one were brought forward which commenced last Tuesday.
“This will allow for less or no disruptions in the academic programmes.
“Two weeks of classes in semester one have been suspended, and the graduation due this month is deferred until further notice.”
Sukwianomb said the university had set up an emergency committee that was taking charge of catering, accommodation and movements of persons in and out of the campus.
“The vice-chancellor and I will review existing decisions and actions taken to date, subject to the Government directions.”
Attempts made to get comments from the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology regarding Sukwianomb’s appeal were unsuccessful.