Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has issued firm directives to the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology and Sports, Hon. Kinoka Feo, calling for urgent and comprehensive intervention following the recent violence and instability at the University of Goroka (UOG).
The Prime Minister said the Government will not allow disorder and mismanagement in any higher learning institution, especially when the safety and future of young Papua New Guineans are at stake.
Prime Minister: “We will not normalise violence or weak governance in universities”
Prime Minister Marape expressed concern that the incident, which occurred over a week ago and resulted in the dispersal of students, risks being normalised if left without immediate corrective action.
“What happened at the University of Goroka cannot be allowed to fade into the background. We must respond firmly, transparently, and with urgency,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Our universities must be safe spaces for learning — not battlegrounds for violence, intimidation, or administrative negligence.”
Four Directives Issued to the Higher Education Minister
Prime Minister Marape has instructed Minister Feo to implement the following actions immediately:
1. Full Review of the University Council
A thorough assessment of the UOG Council’s performance, including any governance failures that may have enabled the breakdown in discipline and order.
2. Stabilisation of the University Administration
An urgent review of the university’s management to ensure continuity of academic operations and essential student services while investigations take place.
3. Establishment of an Independent Inquiry
A properly constituted and resourced independent inquiry must be launched to:
• identify the causes of the violence,
• determine individual responsibility,
• assess security and administrative failures, and
• recommend reforms to strengthen governance and student welfare.
The inquiry has 60 days to report its findings to both the Minister and the Prime Minister.
4. Activation of DHERST Resources
The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology (DHERST) is ordered to mobilise all required financial, administrative, and personnel resources to support:
• the directives,
• the enquiry,
• and any immediate remedial actions necessary to secure the campus.
Protecting Integrity and Discipline Across Higher Education
Prime Minister Marape warned that failure to act decisively would set a dangerous precedent for all tertiary institutions in the country.
“If we do not address this incident firmly, we risk encouraging similar actions elsewhere,” he said. “The integrity, reputation, and governance of our universities must be upheld. The future of our young people depends on it.”
Prime Minister Marape said he expects swift implementation of all directives and will be receiving regular updates from the Minister and the Chief Secretary.