UOG COUNCIL POSITION ON VIOLENT CONFRONTATION BETWEEN STUDENTS AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITY

University of Goroka Chancellor Joe Wemin said that as of yesterday, the university council commissioned an independent investigation into the root cause of the incident.
Wemin stated that the country is well aware of the unfortunate clash between the surrounding community and some students of the university.
He said that since such violent confrontations are a recurring problem posing a threat to the lives of students, staff, and the university, the council resolved today to commission an independent investigation immediately to get to the bottom of the issue.
He mentioned that this is not the first time different surrounding communities and the university community have been involved in this unacceptable and unlawful confrontation.
“We have records of similar serious confrontations occurring in the past, and the council is very concerned about the safety of students, staff, and university property. While we condemn such violent confrontations, we are not in a position to blame any party and seek to understand the underlying causes until an independent investigation is conducted and the findings are presented to the public,” he said.
In the meantime, management is meeting with the 22 student leaders and the Academic Senate to discuss implications for the academic program. The Senate will make decisions regarding the remaining weeks of the Semester 2 academic calendar and will inform the public accordingly.