My Tumultuous Journey as Vice-Chancellor: Navigating the Tortuous Road Towards Better University Governance

As I reflect on my time as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Papua New Guinea, I'm filled with a mix of emotions - pride, frustration, and a deep sense of responsibility for the challenges we faced. It was a journey marked by both remarkable achievements and gut-wrenching setbacks, all in the pursuit of transforming this institution into a beacon of integrity and excellence in the South Pacific region.

When I first accepted this role, I knew I would be confronting a daunting set of issues – structural underfunding, corruption, maladministration, and a severe lack of accountability that had permeated every aspect of the university's operations. Students were disillusioned, their studies often interrupted, and the professional community had all but lost faith in the institution's ability to fulfill its mission.

Undeterred, I set out to tackle these deep-rooted problems head-on. One of our first priorities was to address the pervasive corruption that had become endemic within the university's administration. We implemented rigorous financial controls, increased transparency in our decision-making processes, and held individuals accountable for their actions – no matter their position or influence.

This was a difficult and at times unpopular move, as it required dismantling long-standing networks of graft and patronage. I vividly recall the backlash we faced when we suspended several senior administrators who had been siphoning funds for their own personal gain. The protestations were loud and unrelenting, but we remained steadfast in our commitment to upholding the principles of good governance.

Alongside these governance reforms, we also focused on improving the overall student experience. I made it a point to regularly engage with the student body, listening to their concerns and addressing their grievances. One particular incident stands out – when a group of students approached me about the deplorable state of the campus housing, I immediately mobilized our team to address the issue.

Within weeks, we had secured additional funding to renovate the dormitories, ensuring that our students had access to clean, safe, and comfortable living conditions. The transformation was remarkable, and the gratitude expressed by the students was deeply fulfilling. It was a testament to the power of responsive and student-centric leadership.

However, our efforts were not without their setbacks: the path towards better university governance is fraught with challenges, and that even the most well-intentioned actions can have unintended consequences.

And then there was my own ordeal – the absurd allegation that I did not possess a doctoral degree, despite having a thesis committee that included the esteemed Professor Jeffrey Williamson, the chair of the economics department at Harvard University. The good professor wrote personally to the Prime Minister to this effect. The financial and emotional toll of this baseless claim was immense, and I felt a deep sense of responsibility for not being able to protect myself and my colleagues from such a travesty.

Through it all, I remained steadfast in my commitment to the students and the community we served. Despite the personal sacrifices – the legal battles, the financial burdens, and the emotional toll – I knew that the work we were doing would have a lasting impact on the future of the University of Papua New Guinea.

I urge future educational leaders to embrace the challenges they will face with resilience, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to the betterment of their institutions, by defending institutional autonomy, good governance, and academic freedom. What probably will have most impact is that between 2014 and 2017 we were able to send 77 staff members abroad for training, of which 27 for doctoral studies. 

By prioritizing academic excellence, transparency, fostering collaboration, and empowering students and faculty, you can unlock the vast potential that lies within your university, and make a lasting difference in the lives of those you serve.The road towards better university governance may be long and arduous, but the rewards are immeasurable. A brighter future can only emerge, where the transformative power of education reaches every corner of Papua New Guinea.

Sources:

A series of articles from the leading blog on PNG affairs:

https://www.pngattitude.com/2019/10/there-cannot-be-peace-without-justice.html
https://www.pngattitude.com/2019/10/pngs-odd-racialised-post-colonial-morality.html
https://www.pngattitude.com/2019/10/delusional-oneills-calamitous-legacy.html
https://www.pngattitude.com/2019/09/corruption-maladministration-students-who-can-be-cleansers.html
https://www.pngattitude.com/2019/08/no-heroes-these-wasted-years-memoirs-of-a-vice-chancellor.html
https://www.pngattitude.com/2019/06/dear-hon-james-marape-i-make-a-plea-for-an-innocent-man.html
https://www.pngattitude.com/2018/03/morobe-leaders-call-on-govt-to-retain-schram-as-unitech-head.html
https://www.pngattitude.com/2014/03/leak-of-sevua-investigation-confirms-dr-schrams-innocence.html