Dr Albert Schram

Following his termination on 15 February, he obtained interim restraining orders earlier against the Unitech administration implementing the Council’s decision to terminate him.

His lawyers then sought leave to review his termination. Submissions were presented in court and a decision was reserved.

The National Court on Tuesday refused to grant leave and dismissed the Judicial Review proceeding.

Unitech argued through its lawyers that Dr. Schram’s contract of employment was not reviewable by the Court.

In a statement, Unitech acting chancellor Jean Kekedo said Dr Schram was suspended following a special council meeting on Friday, January 19.

“The details and grounds of suspension are confidential and hence will not be disclosed at this stage,” stated Kekedo.

“Deputy vice chancellor, Dr Ora Renagi, was appointed as acting vice chancellor in the meantime.

“The council assures the public and stakeholders that all programs and operations of the university will not be affected by this decision of the council.”

Unitech vice chancellor, Dr Albert Schram, told Loop PNG that their graduation fee is included in the school fee.

His comments follow the outcry over the University of Papua New Guinea’s new K600 graduation fee.

“We do increase our tuition and fees 10 percent each year to correct for inflation and imbalances in our fee structure,” he continues.

However, the VC pointed out that UPNG has a different fee structure.

“There is no free lunch so they need to charge for costs,” Dr Schram tells Loop.

The campus had been deserted by students in fear of their lives following the killing of a first year student from Southern Highlands on Saturday night.

The Southern Highlands students have set up a ‘haus cry’ (morning house) on campus.

“Southern Highlanders in Unitech went on a rampage at about 11:30am this morning next to the University Administration building,” the source said.     

“The relatives of the deceased student broke the glasses of the administration building and threatened to burn it down.”