1 Aug 2005

PNG government to probe student unrest

4:10 pm on 1 August 2005

Papua New Guinea's Minister for Higher Education, Don Polye, says the government will appoint an independent committee to investigate an ongoing row between administrators and students at the University of PNG.

Students have clashed with administrators over the university grading system and other matters.

Mr Polye says campus security has been stretched to control student lawlessness, and the vice chancellor, Professor Les Eastcott, has had to step down.

He says the suspensions of three more administration staff is pending.

Mr Polye says the new committee, to be selected today, will decide on the terms of reference for the inquiry.

"We'll have 5 people doing the investigation. I'm already in discussions to appoint those five committee members and also the caretaker administrator."

PNG's Minister for Higher Education Don Polye.