Investigation committee commences at UOG

An independent investigation team will commence proceedings at the University of Goroka this week on Tuesday March 30, 2010.

As directed by the UOG Council, a three-person investigation committee has been established to investigate several concerns outlined in an agreed terms of reference (TOR) document previously submitted by the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the National Academic Staff Association (NASA) at UOG.

Some the concerns are matters relating to: governance, processes and procedures, administration matters, academic matters, student welfare, staff welfare and financial matters.

The independent investigation committee is composed of Michael Gene, prominent lawyer and former Attorney General; Prof Allan Easton, prominent academic; and George Kuno, practising accountant and will meet with representatives from the UOG Council, SRC, NASA and management teams to investigate issues from the TOR document.

The investigation will run until April 29, 2010, after which the University Council will meet to consider the findings of the report.

University of Goroka Chancellor Benais Sabumei said investigation would be completely independent to ensure the findings and recommendations were unbiased and neutral.

The investigation committee will appoint its own administration staff, and the university will provide logistical support for the duration of the investigation.

Mr Sabumei said he was pleased to see that classes have now resumed, and things were back to normal at UOG.