The University of Papua New Guinea Interim Council have advised that they have devised a 5 strategy approach to be taken to ascertain facts surrounding the allegations of recent media publications on breaches of conduct and policies by staff, students and others.
UPNG Chancellor and Interim Council Chair, Robert Igara, in a statement released today stated that following wide spread publicity over allegations of grades for cash at the University of Papua New Guinea, consultations were conducted between Vice Chancellor, Prof. Frank Griffin and Acting Secretary for the Department of Higher Education, science, Research and Technology, Father Jan Czuba which led to meeting that convened during the week to seek out ways to address these issues.
“As an interim Council, we have been proactive in seeking positive outcomes to every challenge brought before us.”
“As the Minister for Higher Education Research, Science, Technically and Sports Don Polye stated, the allegations go towards the heart of the University’s core mission and to the integrity of the University’s academic awards, it’s management and governance.”
Chancellor Igara added that a brief has already been provided to the Minister on the strategy and specific actions they will be taking.
He further stated the council acknowledged the specific accusations and their own assessment based on work done by the interim Council and task force set up to point to significant weakness in the systems.
The five strategies and actions are;
1. Council oversight on management responsibility and action to restore control and integrity to current academic grading system and practices.
2. Immediate Investigation into possible misconduct of staff, students and others.
3. PNG Telikom assistance and ICT management support.
4. Implementation of ICT improvement and Reform.
5. Working with University Community Engagement and DHERST.