Transcript
ORA RENAGI: We are now putting in place an investigation and then from those investigations we should have recommendations and we will implement the recommendations. So on those basis that will give us a good idea on every student that is applying. Returning for studies.
KOROI HAWKINS: But students who protested will that be okay is that within their legal rights?
OR: The students have in their constitution to raise issues on national matters and they have that right. Particularly those that have engaged in criminal activities those are the ones that are going to be looked at.
KH: Just touching on the other major universities in the country, so far you are the only one I think of the main three that have decided to carry on with this is that correct?
OR: The landscape is now changing, the government is requesting all institutions to salvage the academic year. So UPNG is meeting this Friday to decide on that. Goroka has already resumed classes so they are going forward with their programs as well. So by September all the universities should be resuming their programs.
KH: Just reflecting on the whole issues and incidents that transpired over the last few months. Do you think it was all worthwhile or was it a waste of time?
OR: For the universities it was a lot of setback for us. We leave the politics to the people. But we are prepared to you know look back at what has happened. There has been a lot of lessons learnt. And we have sat down to look at the lessons learnt and improve on our student management. Particularly in managing our student services and so on.
KH: Finally I have just overlooked you are speaking with police and security firms about operational arrangements.
OR: The government has put in place a program to ensure that there is curfew when the students return. To provide some security for the students and the staff as well. So we are yet to get the details of that from the government. From the university we are working on security programs as well to engage our university security forces to provide with the support of the police. And to ensure that the environment is peaceful for studies
Unitech students in May joined a class boycott instigated by University of PNG students who were trying to force Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, to stand down over fraud allegations.
There were later violent clashes on the campus resulting in the death of a student and the destruction of UNITECH property.
