The University of Goroka (UOG) in Eastern Highlands Province, has announced the immediate suspension of studies for most continuing students, directing them to return home for the holidays, following a violent confrontation between students and members of the surrounding local community, particularly from the Ato Market area.

Dr. Teng Waninga, the Vice Chancellor of UOG, released a statement informing the National Government, the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST), and the public of the decision made by the University’s Top Management Team and Academic Senate, in consultation with the University Council.

The conflict erupted when a student was confronted by local drunkards, leading to a massive fight.

The clash resulted in significant injuries to students, with 51 students treated at the Goroka Base Hospital.

Dr. Waninga confirmed that while most have been discharged, five students remain in critical but stable condition.

The unrest also saw several staff houses destroyed and personal valuables ransacked. The University has committed to providing financial assistance to the affected staff.

The Vice Chancellor stressed that these recurring events are stressful and undermine the core mission of providing quality teacher training in a secure and peaceful environment.

Due to the seriousness of the fight, the lives of staff and students were severely endangered. Police presence from Simbu and Western Highlands provinces was immediately requested to protect the university community and state property.

“They will remain on campus to maintain security and safety and provide confidence to the staff and students.”

Since the student dormitories were severely damaged by the 2022 earthquake, students have been living in the surrounding local communities. All students living near the trouble zone have since been rescued and moved back onto the main campus for the University to care for them.

Considering the safety of the university community and the need to maintain academic program quality, the Top Management and Academic Senate made the following key decisions:

• Continuing Students: All continuing students are returning home for the holidays. Their remaining examinations will be conducted online from November 24th to November 29th, 2025. Tickets for TESAS scholarship students are ready and will be issued for travel.

• Final Year, Content Up-grade, and Second-Year In-Service Students: These groups are being given a two-week break and are scheduled to return on November 24th to resume their studies.

• Final Year Students Unable to Travel: These students will remain on campus under the care of the University.

The University Council has resolved to commission an independent investigation and an in-depth analysis to determine the real cause of continuous disturbances by some surrounding community members.

Dr. Waninga noted that repeated conflicts and disruptions have led to instability, great fear, and even resulted in several deaths. The findings are intended to provide long-term solutions.

The UOG Student Representative Council (SRC) has appealed to the National Government, local members, Council, and Top Management to give immediate attention and priority funding to:

1. Permanent perimeter fencing.

2. Construction of additional student dormitories.

3. Maintenance of the damaged student dormitories.

They appealed for their safety and security to be the top priority, with these requests to be addressed before the commencement of the 2026 academic year.

The Vice Chancellor confirmed that these requests are being addressed by both the National Government and the Top Management Team.

Dr. Waninga extended gratitude to Kinoka Feo, Robert Atiyafa, local leaders Leslie Hoffman and Jeffrey Sasuwo, and the Okiufa community for assisting in restoring normalcy.

Appreciation was also offered to the Police Minister and Commissioner for arranging Mobile Squad members from Simbu and Mount Hagen, the respective Provincial Police Commanders, and the Defence Force Team from Igam Barracks for intervening and taking control of the situation.

Finally, he thanked the Governors and elected leaders for providing funds to transport students to their respective destinations.