Uni staff back PNG students' campaign

1:42 pm on 13 May 2016

The National Academic Staff Association in Papua New Guinea is supporting calls from university students for the Prime Minister to step down and face corruption allegations.

Students at the University of Papua New Guinea have boycotted classes for two weeks while students from at least two other universities have also staged protest action.

The Association's President, Emmanuel Gorrea, told Em TV that Prime Minister Peter O'Neill should heed the students' call.

"NASA is deeply concerned about the economic mismanagement of the country and the need for prudent financial management of the country's finance. That's what the students are really concerned about. NASA therefore calls on the Prime Minister and the government of Papua New Guinea to accept and take heed of the students' petition and to immediately take action on the matters petitioned by the students."

Emmanuel Gorrea says staff will provide remedial teaching for students who have missed classes during the boycott.

Papua New Guinea university students.

Papua New Guinea university students. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades