The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) as finally confirmed and announced Professor Frank Griffin as the new Prov-Vice Chancellor. This was announced current Acting University Chancellor, Mr. Robert Igara. Professor Griffin was appointed by the former University Council headed by Former Chancellor-Dr. Nicholas Mann. The former council was then suspended by Minister for Department of Higher Education, Science, Research and Technology (DHERST) Hon. Peter Niningi.
The Minister suspended the entire Council member and appointed a care-taker Council headed by Mr. Jeffery Kennedy as Acting Vice Chancellor, and Professor Kenneth Simbuk as Acting Vice-Chancellor. Later, Mr. Kennedy resigned from the post.
Professor Griffins appointment was not formalized by the National Executive Council as a result of the DHERST Minister’s actions. The matter prompted the National Academic Staff Association to boycott classes for one week. The Academics returned to classes when the Minister and the Chief Secretary of Government, Mr.Issac Lupari met with them and assured them that the matter will be resolved.
This was finally resolved and the current Acting University chaired by Chancellor, Mr. Robert Igara made the announcement to the public and and the media at the University Council Room.
In accepting the position , newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, thank the University community for allowing the process to take it’s course despite of the hiccups along the way.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Griffin is not new the university of Papua New Guinea. He has served the university of Papua New Guinea, Dean of the School of Natural & Physical Sciences as well as senior academic prior to becoming the Dean.
Professor Griffin holds a PhD from the University of York in England and a Masters from the Australian National University in Canberra. Professor Griffin also served with the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme in Samoa as the director since 2013.
See separate news article on the appoint from National News Paper by clicking on the link below.
https://www.thenational.com.pg/council-appoints-griffin-as-new-vice-chancellor/