VC of PNG's UniTech to fight his sacking

5:08 pm on 19 February 2018

The vice-chancellor of Papua New Guinea's University of Technology is preparing legal action to fight his sacking last week by the university's council.

Unitech vice-chancellor Albert Schram (right) talks to a colleague on the institution's Lae campus

Albert Schram Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

It alleged Albert Schram committed serious misconduct and breached his employment contract by failing to present his verified academic credentials.

The council also said he undertook constant unapproved overseas trips without showing its relevance, despite requests to constrain his travel arrangements.

Dr Schram said the allegations were baseless and the council has been misled by disgruntled staff.

"Last year we had to eliminate an illegal allowance that they had been paying themselves, and this year in December it became clear that another allowance they had been paying themselves, 15 per-cent, was also illegal. So because they know that I'm all about compliance they fear to lose that money."

Albert Schram said he had contracted a lawyer to prepare his case for review by the courts.

The University of Technology's council could not be reached for comment.

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