The Secretary for the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) Fr Jan Czuba has been suspended indefinitely from office until an investigation is complete on the allegations against him.
In a press conference this afternoon, the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Sports, Wesley Raminai said the National Executive Council (NEC) made the decision which is also in the best interest of the department and Czuba.
He said the suspension would remain until an investigation is complete. Raminai also said apart from a team from the Auditor General’s Office (AGO), the department would also engage an independent auditor to conduct an investigation.
Meanwhile, Dr Francis Hualupmomi has been appointed as acting Secretary.
Dr Hualupmomi said he was thankful for the Marape-Basil government for showing confidence in him and vowed to try and restore the credibility of the department. Hualupmomi is a career officer having joined the department in 2007.