University administrations in Papua New Guinea have made great efforts to get academic courses back on track after major disruptions this year, according to the Minister of Higher Education.
In May students at PNG's three main tertiary institutions, the University of PNG in Port Moresby, the University of Goroka and the University of Technology in Lae, decided to boycott classes in protest against the prime minister Peter O'Neill.
Students at the University of Papua New Guinea boycotted classes in protest at the Prime Minister refusing to stand down. Photo: Supplied / UPNG4PNG
The class boycotts descended into unrest at all three universities, threatening already compromised academic schedules.
The minister, Francis Marus, yesterday visited Unitech where several buildings were burnt down in June by a group on a violent rampage which left one student dead.
The remains of a building after it was set alight during violent clashes at the University of Technology in Lae, Papua New Guinea. Photo: Supplied / Albert Schram
Mr Marus handed over a one-million kina cheque for the institution's reconstruction effort in addition to an earlier five-million kina payment last month.
"I was very impressed at the amount of work done by the administration in getting the facilities to at least 90%, that will accomodate for our children coming back (to resume studies). The biggest thing that impressed me was the temporary mess which was set up by private catering company IPI."
Mr Marus said he has been assured that everything will be functioning at Unitech by the time classes resume next week.
Additionally, academic course are due to resume next week at the UPNG in the capital, where Mr Marus toured last week to inspect the institution's repair work after sustaining significant damages in June.
One million kina was also given to the UPNG.
The University of Goroka resumed classes last week.