UPNG vice-chancellor Professor Albert Mellam

This new change, among others, is the result of the University’s concerns over the lack of funding to provide essential services and the delivery of academic programs. 

In a statement, acting chancellor, Dr Nicholas Mann, said: “Despite the decision by the NEC to provide K12 million as funding to support the recommencement of teaching and learning activities to complete Semesters 1 and 2 of the 2016 Academic Year, no funds have been released by the Government to date.

Secretary for the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor David Kavanamur, told students that the future of this nation lies on their shoulders and it was important to move forward with trust.

He acknowledged the emptiness created at the campus by the unrest but said today was the start of a new journey. While creating trust between parties is difficult, taking the first steps towards this is important.