PNG University of Goroka Clarifies Statement on Student English Proficiency, Denies 97% Figure
The University of Goroka (UOG) has issued a formal clarification regarding a widely circulated statement that claimed 97% of its first-year students have "English proficiency challenges." The university's Pro Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research and Innovation, Dr. Matthew Landu, PhD, stated that the figure was misinterpreted and taken out of context.
The original statement, published in the Post Courier newspaper on September 18, 2024, had recently gone viral on social media, sparking public concern and debate about the state of English education in PNG’s higher learning institutions.
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| PNG University of Goroka Clarifies Statement on Student English Proficiency, Denies 97% Figure |
Dr. Landu emphasized that the statistic referred to a specific cluster group of 799 students tested in 2023, not the entire student body. Of this group, only 20 students—representing just 2.5%—were ranked as having “serious problems” with English. He clarified that the 97% figure actually represented students who scored below the top 50th percentile on standardized diagnostic tests, indicating areas for improvement rather than severe deficiency.
“This does not mean 97% of our students are failing or incapable,” Dr. Landu explained. “It reflects that many students require additional support to reach their full potential, which is precisely why we have robust remedial programs in place.”
He attributed the language gaps to weaknesses observed in early childhood, primary, and secondary education systems, noting that most students enter UOG directly from Grade 12 without sufficient foundational English skills.
In response to these findings, UOG implemented a new mandatory program in 2025 combining instructional scaffolding, English enrichment, and the integration of English into all marking rubrics for assessments and academic courses. This follows recommendations from an extensive academic audit conducted in 2003.
The university also highlighted its stringent admissions process, which uses algorithms developed by the Australia Centre for Educational Research (ACER) to screen applicants based on High School Certificate grades, subject combinations, and a minimum B grade in English. Only those scoring in the top 50% nationally on the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Tests (STAT-PNG) are considered for admission.
Dr. Landu called on all levels of the education system—from early childhood through secondary schools—to address English deficiency proactively. “We cannot solve this alone,” he said. “It requires a national effort to strengthen foundational literacy.”
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