A serious incident occurred recently during the Pacific Adventist University’s (PAU) 39th graduation ceremony on Sunday, November 24th, 2024, and quickly escalated into a physical altercation that went viral on social media.
The incident, which disrupted the event and sparked outrage among attendees, is now a matter of police investigation.
The fight, which shocked both Papua New Guineans and other Pacific Islanders who attend the university, has raised concerns over what caused the unexpected disruption. Attendees reported that the altercation not only disturbed the celebratory atmosphere but also led to widespread speculations and debates online.
When contacted, the PAU administration confirmed that the incident was external, involving guests rather than students or university staff. In an official statement, the administration stated that they cannot comment on this matter at this time as it is currently under investigation.
“The incident is external and does not involve the university directly. We will provide updates once the investigation concludes.”
The administration emphasized that the lack of immediate details is to avoid the spread of misinformation.
“The board has decided not to give further information at this stage to prevent misleading the public.”
While videos and photos of the fight have been widely circulated online, PAU clarified that there have been no police reports of casualties. Security personnel at the venue intervened to contain the situation, but questions remain about how the altercation began and what measures can be taken to avoid similar disruptions in the future.
The incident has sparked debates among social media users, with many expressing disappointments and calling for stricter security protocols during public events.
“This is not something you expect at a PAU graduation. They’ve always been known for discipline and order,” one commenter wrote.
As the investigation continues, PAU and authorities are working to understand the root cause of the incident. The university has reassured the public that updates will be provided once the findings are finalized.
For now, PAU’s 39th graduation will be remembered not only for its celebration of academic achievements, but also for an unfortunate incident that has left many awaiting answers.