Papua New Guinea Government Weighs Options for University of Goroka Students After Violence
The Papua New Guinea Government is assessing options to either send University of Goroka (UOG) students home and resume examinations next year, or to temporarily relocate them nearby to complete the academic year.
Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Kinoka Feo, said the Government was considering both short-term and long-term responses following last weekend’s unrest on campus. “We can either send students home and get continuing students to return early in 2026 to sit for exams, given the trauma experienced, or we can bring in police and relocate them to guesthouses or nearby colleges where exams can be conducted safely,” Feo explained.
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| Papua New Guinea Government Weighs Options for University of Goroka Students After Violence |
He said the National Executive Council had approved K10 million to build new dormitories and install fencing to strengthen student accommodation and campus security in 2026. The Department of Works and Highways has been assigned to oversee the construction due to the urgency of the matter.
Currently, almost half of UOG’s students live off campus, renting rooms in nearby areas and commuting daily to attend classes. Feo said the government’s long-term goal was to provide more on-campus housing to reduce safety risks faced by students living within local communities.
The minister assured parents and Members of Parliament that the situation was under control following police reinforcement from Mt Hagen and Chimbu. The violent confrontation, which erupted between Asaroyuifa settlers and students after an attempted robbery at a nearby market, left several people injured and disrupted classes.
Feo added that authorities were considering relocating affected students to other schools in the Eastern Highlands temporarily if classes were to continue this year. “If we close now, the challenge will be managing new intakes in 2026,” he said, noting that the final decision would depend on advice from the university administration.
He also appealed for calm among the local communities, urging residents to safeguard the institution. “Locals must understand that the University of Goroka is part of our province and we must protect it. We are good people, and it’s only a minority who are tarnishing our reputation,” said Feo.
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