The National Government is yet to fulfil its 2016 financial commitment to the University of Goroka (UOG).
UOG chancellor Joseph Sukwianomb said: “It’s putting a huge pressure because we rely on Government for funding, as the major sponsor.
“This money is to meet expenses we incurred last year (during the students’ boycott).”
He confirmed that the university administration is patiently following up with the Chief Secretary to the Government and Finance Secretary.
Sukwianomb also revealed that the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology owes the university close to K2 million for outstanding boarding and lodging components for students under the National Government scholarships.
Meanwhile, UOG vice-chancellor, Professor Musawe Sinebare, said the university’s main function is to educate students, and the national government must meet its obligations.
“University function is to teach, not to house and feed students,” Professor Sinebare said.
The outstanding K8 million funding is per the National Executive Council decision for classes to commence at the three state universities following student protests last year.
In the breakup, the PNG University of Technology was allocated K40m, University of PNG K12m, Office of Higher Education K3m and UOG K8.
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