By Lillian Sopera Keneqa – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) has a Vice Chancellor. Professor Frank Griffin was appointed by the National Executive Council was announced today by the UPNG Chancellor, Robert Igara.
Chancellor Igara stated that the consequence of the NEC decision and Gazettal notice is that Professor Kenneth Sumbuk’s appointment as Acting VC of UPNG has been revoked. Following months of an ongoing saga over leadership within the University of Papua New Guinea, today a decision from the National Executive Council was delivered.
UPNG Chancellor, Robert Igara said, “This follows my receiving today a copy of the National Gazette (No. G342) dated 30th April 2019 which stated that the National Executive Council, by virtue of the powers conferred by Section 109 of the Higher Education (General Provisions) Act 2014… revoked all previous appointment of Vice Chancellor of the University of PNG and appointed Professor Griffin as VC of UPNG, commencing on and from the date of publication of the instrument in the National Gazette.
According to the Chancellor, the appointment of Professor Griffin was led, managed and resolved by the Council of UPNG on the 18th of December, following a transparent and public process consistent with the UPNG Act 1983.
Professor Griffin who is a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of York, England, a master of science from the Australian National University and has held management roles in UPNG, including Executive Dean of the School of Natural Sciences from 2009 – 2013.
Professor Griffin said he takes on this new role with full confidence.
“And I will commit myself to lead this team in making sure that whatever issues faced in this institution we will attend to in a very professions and progressive manner,” said Professor Griffin.
He also thanked the University community for being patient, for helping to make sure that the appointment process was allowed to run its full course.
Professor Griffin’s appointment takes effect immediately.
