PM MARAPE CALLS ON UPNG CHANCELLOR SIR ROBERT IGARA TO RESIGN FOLLOWING PROFESSOR IAN FINDLAY’S DEPARTURE
Prime Minister James Marape has called on University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Chancellor Sir Robert Igara to resign following the departure of Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay, describing the circumstances surrounding his resignation as deeply disturbing and a serious setback for the country’s premier university.
Prime Minister Marape expressed sadness and disappointment after Professor Findlay, who had served UPNG for 15 months, announced his resignation with immediate effect on Monday, 2 November 2026, citing persistent bullying, belittling and disrespect from Sir Robert, irreconcilable differences over university governance, and threats to his personal safety.
“It is saddening to see one of the great lights of university administration in our country walking away because he felt bullied and intimidated within a structure that was supposed to protect him and promote diplomacy, cooperation and coexistence,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“The University Council, Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and university management must understand and respect their respective roles and responsibilities. Unfortunately, we have reached a point where a very good Vice-Chancellor, who brought renewed administrative leadership to UPNG, has left under deeply concerning circumstances.”
In his resignation letter, Professor Findlay outlined significant improvements achieved during his tenure, including financial reforms, strengthened academic governance, improved audit compliance, international university partnerships, expanded internet capacity, and the development of new academic programmes.
The Prime Minister noted that the July 2026 Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) post-audit report had recognised substantial improvements at UPNG, while Professor Findlay’s independent 12-month performance review assessed his performance as exceeding expectations.
Professor Findlay also stated that his relationship with Sir Robert had deteriorated because of fundamentally different views on university governance, culminating in what he described as unacceptable conduct at a Special Council Meeting on 28 October 2026. The former Vice-Chancellor further revealed that he had already left Papua New Guinea following direct threats against his personal safety.
“These are extremely serious matters. We cannot allow highly qualified professionals who come to serve our country to feel threatened, intimidated or unsafe in our institutions,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Papua New Guinea deserves the very best people to lead our universities, hospitals, schools, police and other institutions of state. Whether they are nationals or expatriates, we must attract, retain and protect the best talent.
“After 51 years of nationhood, we must recognise that nationalism, when pursued at the expense of merit and productivity, can undermine institutional performance. Our country must always put competence, professionalism and results first.”
Prime Minister Marape, himself a UPNG alumnus, expressed frustration over the university’s continued governance challenges despite government support and efforts to improve its performance. “As a former UPNG student, it saddens me that our premier university is not progressing in the right direction. We seem to be going around in the same pool of inefficiency despite the resources being provided,” he said.
“When I see institutions such as the University of Goroka progressing, I ask why UPNG cannot achieve the same. We cannot continue allowing institutional politics and poor governance to undermine academic excellence.”
Prime Minister Marape called directly on Sir Robert to step aside in the interests of restoring public confidence in UPNG. “I make this call with great reluctance because Sir Robert Igara is a distinguished Papua New Guinean who has contributed significantly to our nation’s development,” he said. “However, if the Vice-Chancellor has resigned under these circumstances, then I believe the Chancellor should also do the honourable thing and resign. “Sir Robert, you are a respected senior Papua New Guinean, a self-made man and part of the foundation generation of our national workforce.
I respectfully ask you to step aside and allow new leadership, fresh thinking and renewed direction at UPNG. “It is unfair that a Vice-Chancellor who has dedicated 15 months of his life to improving the university should leave under such circumstances. From the reports I have received, he felt threatened and intimidated, and this happened under your watch.”
Prime Minister Marape said he was seeking advice from the State Solicitor, DHERST and the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council on appropriate measures to address UPNG’s governance problems, including the overhaul of the University Council and administration. “I intend to leave no stone unturned. We will examine the governance arrangements of UPNG, including the University Council and administration, with a view to undertaking necessary reforms in accordance with the law,” he said.
“This is now a matter of public concern. If I do not speak out, who will? We cannot remain silent when capable professionals are reportedly driven out of institutions that desperately need their expertise. “I am calling on Sir Robert Igara to resign forthwith and allow new leadership to take UPNG forward. We need fresh perspectives at both Council and management levels to restore the university to its rightful place as Papua New Guinea’s premier institution of higher learning.
“UPNG belongs to the people of Papua New Guinea. It must be a centre of academic excellence, professionalism and good governance, not a place where intimidation, internal politics or institutional dysfunction are allowed to prevail.
“My Government is committed to restoring confidence in UPNG and ensuring that our premier university is led by capable people who put the interests of students, staff and the nation first.”
