UOG CLASSESS SUSPENDED; 75% EXAMS COMPLETED

ALL clasess at the University of Goroka has been suspended as of last night and students have been sent home following the recent escalated fight between the UOG Students and locals over the weekend resulting in lives injured and properties damaged.

In a statement from the Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso, “The safety of our students is paramount. The Government through the Minister for Higher Education Hon. Kinoka Feo, the Eastern Highlands Provincial Administration, Police, and the University’s leadership, is working together to stabilize the situation and ensure all students return home safely.”

The UOG Senate and Council have made the difficult decision to send students home before the closure of the 2025 academic year. They are working closely with the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) to manage the situation responsibly and transparently.

Under the current arrangements:

1. All classes have been suspended as of last night.
2. Students may begin travelling back to their home provinces.
3. Approximately 75% of examinations have already been completed, with the remaining 25% to be conducted online in two weeks for Years 1 to 3 students.
4. Final year students will return in two weeks to submit their final-year projects.

In support of students’ safe return, Deputy Prime Minister Rosso has coordinated with the Morobe Provincial Administration to facilitate the evacuation of all Morobe students from Goroka back to Lae.

“Buses with police escorts from Lae Police will travel to Goroka today to transport Morobe students safely home. The Morobe Provincial Administration and my office have organized that.

“Similar arrangements have been made by other provincial governments and administrations to bring their students home safely and I thank them for that.” Rosso confirmed.

Furthermore, additional buses will be made available, free of charge, to assist students from other provinces transiting through Lae on their way home.

Arrangements have also been made in consultation with the principals of Bugandi Secondary School and Lae Secondary School to provide free accommodation and meals for transiting students from other provinces.

“I sincerely thank Mr. Miall of Bugandi and Mr. Raymond of Lae Secondary for their leadership and compassion in assisting our young people during this difficult time,” said Rosso.

Students from other provinces who may be transiting through Lae, will be supported through the same arrangements until their respective provincial governments or parents organize onward transport home.

Deputy Prime Minister Rosso also thanked Lae City residents who have already reached out to offer support to the affected students.

“Our collective response as a community shows the true Papua New Guinean spirit of unity and care. I thank all who are stepping up to help,” he said.

The Government urges all students and the public to remain calm and cooperate with authorities to ensure an orderly and peaceful transition during this period.

Deputy Prime Minister Rosso further stated that those responsible for instigating or participating in the unrest will be dealt with and will face the full brunt of our criminal laws. Investigations are currently underway to ascertain the cause of the disturbances and to ensure that those involved are held accountable.

“I have been assured by Police and the University Administration that investigations are progressing, and the full force of our criminal laws will be applied to those responsible, once the facts are established.”

“The University of Goroka is a government institution and the National Government will take all necessary measures to protect the institution, its infrastructure, its staff and students.” Deputy Prime Minister Rosso concluded.

The deputy Prime Minister also assured the nation, particularly parents, students, and staff of the University of Goroka (UOG), that the Government is taking all necessary measures to maintain safety and restore order at the University following recent unrest on campus.

Additional security personnel have been deployed and are now stationed at the University to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff.