University of Papua New Guinea vice-chancellor Professor Albert Mellam

Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology, Francis Marus, this morning made an official visit to present the cheque.

Marus states that the prolonged boycott in the university has brought severe repercussions to all higher education stakeholders, which included physical and emotional damages to both students and staff.

“Institutional buildings and properties valued over billions of kina both in UPNG and UNITECH were destroyed due to the students’ unrest and boycott.”

UPNG vice chancellor Professor Albert Mellam called on Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Francis Marus, to work together with the universities for better results.

Mellam said the universities and institutions of higher education in this country are at the crossroads of their existence to secure a place in a highly competitive higher education sector globally.

Mellam highlighted a number of critical challenges that must be addressed in collaboration with all the stakeholders that make up the higher education sector in PNG.