By JOHN FRED
THE President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the University of Goroka (UOG), Joshua McDonald Sua, has called on students to prioritize their academic studies during the second Open Forum on National Issues held at the UOG main campus.
As the leader of the student body, Mr Sua stressed on his commitment to representing student interests over political influences. He stated that he has no interest in government or opposition affiliations.
“Focus on your studies and the purpose of your university education. Your parents did not send you here to engage in protests or seek political influence. They have sacrificed to pay your school fees,” Joshua McDonald said.
He warned that participating in protests often results in negative consequences for students.
“When we organize and lead protests to change the government, we often become victims. Many students have faced termination, missed placements, or suffered injuries due to external influences. This has been a problem across universities, including UPNG and UOT,” Mr Sua added.
He recalled the tragic events of June 26, 2001, when three UPNG students were killed by police during a protest, and several others were injured. He noted that the government at that time failed to address the aftermath.
One of the key points highlighted was the systemic nature of corruption in PNG, which has been perpetuated by past decisions of leaders.
“Corruption is deeply rooted within our operational systems, influenced by past leadership decisions,” Mr Sua stated.
He assured students that diplomatic approaches will be taken to address national issues. The SRC plans to present their petitions professionally and work towards effective solutions.
