by Colleen Barilae – EM TV, Lae
Minister for Higher Education, Research Science and Technology, Malakai Tabar, and Education Minister Nick Kuman, arrived at Lae’s National Polytechnic Institute to address students on the month-long boycott issue.
Last week, students drafted an agreement for the administration to sign. In the agreement, students demanded for the administration to step aside so a caretaker administration can be set up. The two ministers are now at the institute to formalise the agreement between the administration and the students.
Tabar has called on boycotting students at the Lae Polytechnic Institute to return to class with a guarantee that outstanding issues will be resolved by the government and the Polytechnic Institute. Speaking to students this afternoon, Education Minister Nick Kuman said the government takes the blame for rundown facilities.
“We have not done enough,” he said.
The education minister told students there will be increased activity within three months. Over the next three years, additional funding will be provided to raise the institution’s standards.
“We will re-scope the budget so that it caters to the changes.”
