​Goroka university Vice-Chancellor steps down as council begins search for successor

​Goroka university Vice-Chancellor steps down as council begins search for successor

A leadership change is underway at the University of Goroka after vice-chancellor Dr Teng Waninga formally handed in his resignation, setting off a three-month countdown for the institution to find new leadership.

Papua New Guinea's Higher Education Minister, Kinoka Feo, confirmed this week that the resignation, submitted on July 27, would only take effect on October 29, in line with contractual and legal notice requirements binding the outgoing vice-chancellor.

Feo used the confirmation to knock down rumours circulating that Waninga had already left his role while continuing to quietly issue directives to staff.

He explained that Waninga's contract, read together with the University Act, compels him to remain in his post and fulfil his duties for the full three-month period before he can walk away.

“He has sent his resignation, but under his contract and the conditions of the University Act, he needs to give a three-month notice,” Feo told this newspaper.

The minister said the timeframe gives the university council room to run a proper selection process and settle on a new vice-chancellor before Waninga's exit date arrives.

“We are expecting to find a replacement within the three months,” he said.

On the reasons behind the resignation, Feo offered little elaboration, saying only that the decision was a personal one.

“He has resigned for his own reasons,” Feo said.

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