Classes for Solomon students at UNITECH Lae may be hampered due to striking Academic staff

Classes for Solomon tertiary students studying the University of Technology(Unitech) in Lae, Papua New Guinea may be hampered amidst a sit-out strike by the institution's National Academic Staff Association.

Student leaders at the UNITECH in Lae yesterday urged the National Academic Staff Association (NASA) and the University Council to consider the students’ wellbeing when both parities discuss solutions to the dispute.

Student Representative Council vice-presidents Samson Atai and Cathy Magalu said they were not taking sides but were concerned that their education could be jeopardised. The student leaders said they were hopeful that an agreement would be reached by the end of this week.

Meanwhile, NASA said yesterday afternoon it was still waiting for a response from the university administration. NASA president Pulas Yowat said the strike action by its members would continue until responsible authorities investigate the administration over allegations of mismanagement and corrupt practices. Mr Yowat said NASA presented evidence to the university council, showing alleged misuse of university funds and gross abuse of procedures.

Reports also revealed that some students are also facing problems with securing rooms but it is not known if that includes any Solomon Island students.

Source: PNG National