By Annette Kora – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Staff and students at the Port Moresby Business College have been advised to continue normal school operations following interference in the appointment of staff.
Earlier this year, Minister for Higher Education, Pila Niningi appointed a new principal Willie Angu against the standards of the Teaching Services Commission.
The TSC has now suspended Mr Angu and referred the Minister to the Ombudsman Commission.
TSC Chairman Mr Baran Sori said the intention is not to disrupt the operation of the school but to correct the error made stating that Lecturer Willy Angu was illegally appointed by the Minister for DHERST.
His suspension came into effect as of Monday 25 February 2019. The charges/suspension follows his disobedience to lawful instructions from the Chairman of the National Education Board.
It also follows his illegal suspension of the Deputy Principal of Port Moresby Business College. Included also was his use of the Department of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology letterhead when all administrative and legislative powers are still with the National Education Board, the Teaching Service Commission and are yet to be transferred to DHESRT.
Prior to his suspension, the PNG Teachers Association held a conference making their stance known that Mr Niningi as Minister for Higher Education has absolutely no authority to appoint the Principal of Pom Business College, let alone the authority to exercise the powers of the National Education Board which even the Minister for Education does not exercise; therefore a decision was made to refer the Minister to the Ombudsman Commission.
Students and staff of the Port Moresby Business College have been urged not to feel discouraged by what has transpired and to continue normal classes and school operations accordingly.
