National Academic Staff Association

This was confirmed by UPNG’s National Academic Staff Association today.

Members of NASA have set the record straight following an article claiming that members of the interim council have been sidelined.

The interim council, comprising of acting vice chancellor Dr Kenneth Sumbuk, chancellor Jeffrey Kennedy and pro-chancellor Jerry Wemin, remains in power until the National Executive Council endorses new appointees.

Minister Pila Niningi assured the staff this afternoon that the appointment of Frank Griffin as the vice chancellor will go before cabinet.

The Department of Higher Education and UPNG’s National Academic Staff Association have been at loggerheads since the removal of most of the UPNG council members in January, and the appointment of an interim council on January 23^rd.

“This is new information for the Interim Council and the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology,” Kennedy said in UPNG circular no. 646.

“I, as the Chancellor, only became aware of an alleged contract when I came across one being circulated in the social media! Whether it is genuine or backdated is anyone’s guess because the Interim Council has no copy of such an employment contract!

President for NASA, Emmanuel Gorea made it clear to media in a press conference that NASA has not been bought off and that he and his executive stand accountable to that accusation with reservation and great disappointment.

“Members of NASA have not been bought nor sold out and NASA has always set the agenda in the fight on pay fixation.

Gorea says since day one, NASA has refused to be militant and overtly confrontational.

NASA had given a September 30 deadline ultimatum, which lapsed last Friday, for the university management to give a feedback on the outstanding 7.5 percent back payment.

NASA president Emmanuel Gorea confirmed today that discussion on the 7.5 percent back payment is still on going with relevant the authority, the Department of Finance and Treasury.

Gorea will be meeting with the university management on Tuesday, October 4 regarding the matter.