MINISTER CONDEMNS HARASSMENT INCIDENT AT UNITECH

Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (HERST) has strongly condemned an incident involving the alleged harassment of a female by male students at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUOT).

In a statement, the Minister described the behaviour as “inexcusable” and “unbecoming” of university students, stressing that such conduct demonstrated a lack of intelligence, social responsibility, and personal maturity expected of those in higher education.

“University education in PNG is a privilege underwritten by the people of this country,” the Minister said. “Any student or group of students that do not appreciate this privilege accorded to them have no place in our universities or, for that matter, any other higher education institutions.”

The Minister has directed the PNGUOT Council and Administration to immediately investigate the incident, take corrective measures, and submit a full report on their findings. The measures and the official report will be made public once the process is complete.

While expressing concern over the incident, the Minister reaffirmed confidence in PNGUOT’s leadership, noting the institution’s progress in recent years. This includes the international accreditation of its Engineering programmes and its longstanding contribution to the nation’s human resource development since its establishment in the late 1960s.

“PNGUOT has produced engineers, architects, agriculturalists, accountants, and technocrats who have played vital roles in building our country,” the Minister said. “I trust the current Council and Administration to address this matter promptly and effectively so that the university’s positive reputation is not undermined by a single act of misconduct.”

The Minister reiterated that harassment of any form has no place in PNG’s higher education institutions and pledged to uphold the safety, dignity, and respect of all students.