Acting Secretary Fr. Jan Czuba says the Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Department is not responsible for funding the Wewak School of Nursing (WSoN).
His comment is in response to a story published by The National following a decision by the school to suspend classes for its first and second year students for the remaining month of the academic year, due to financial difficulties. Third-year students have been allowed to complete the year.
The college was initiated and established by the provincial government and health authority and had not being recognized by the department as there were no consultations during the process.
Therefore, the department cannot do anything.
The named authorities have the legal, financial and ethical obligations to look after the college.
Hence, they must allow students to continue and complete the remaining weeks of their studies.
Jan Czuba
Czuba suggested the school be merged with the Divine Word University-run School of Nursing in Wewak.
Having two same colleges in the province may not be economically sustainable.
Also, there is a risk that it could compromise both the clinical and academic education of students.
By combining resources and expertise, we can create an effective and efficient nursing education system that ensures the highest standards of training and prepares students adequately for their future roles in healthcare.
I believe that a collaborative approach will not only address the financial challenges faced by WSoN but also enhance the overall quality of nursing education in the region.
Czuba
Czuba explained that the proposed idea had to be agreed by the respective authorities and the university.