Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra has dismissed claims circulating on social media that teachers across Papua New Guinea will go on strike on Monday January 19th, describing the reports as false and misleading.

Dr Kombra said the only body authorised to organise a teachers’ strike or protest is the PNG Teachers’ Association (PNGTA), stressing that no individual person, group, or unofficial entity can call such actions.

“There is no individual, citizen, or teacher who can lead a strike or protest outside of the PNG Teachers’ Association."

He specifically referred to reports allegedly being spread by an individual whose identity and existence remain unclear.

Dr Kombra said the Department of Education has instructed its lawyers to work with Cyber Crime units to investigate the source of the claims.

“We don’t know whether this is a real person or something else."

“Our lawyers have been instructed to find out who is behind this. If this person exists, they should come forward and identify themselves, so we know who is responsible.”

Dr Kombra warned that the spread of false information could seriously disrupt the country’s education system, which serves approximately 2.7 to 2.8 million students and employs more than 60,000 teachers nationwide.

“Our education system must continue to function."

“We cannot allow someone to disturb the system and affect millions of children and thousands of teachers.”

He added that if the individual responsible is found to be deliberately spreading misinformation, appropriate legal action may be taken.

Dr Kombra confirmed that school operations will proceed as scheduled, with teachers resuming duties on the 19th and students returning to classrooms on the 26th.

“We are ready to deliver education services to our people. Resumptions will go ahead as planned."