Regional MP of Bougainville Joe Lera has called for a review intothe dual wage system for University academics.
Mr Lera said lecturers need to be paid well ifthey possessthe right qualification to teach students’
He brought upthe matter during question time in parliament.
The quality of education orthe lack of it has been a debate that goes far back as independence. It’s been raised onthe floor of parliament on numerous occasions.
Joe Lera believes it’s linked to brain drain, where academics have opted to leavethe intuitions for greener pastures overseas.
He said expatriates are paid higher, even thoughthey havethe same qualifications as nationals. He wantsthe government to reviewthe dual wage system.
He says it’s not fair that Papua New Guineas are treated as second class citizens intheir own country.
Minister for higher Education David Arore in reply said Universities inthe country have independent salary structures.
Betthe idea of makingthemthe same acrossthe board is being looked at.
There are currently seven higher institutions inthe country, with UNITECH and UPNG beingthe oldest universities.
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