By Vicky Baunke in Goroka, EHP
The University of Goroka Vice-Chancellor Dr. Teng Waninga has officially resigned after 40 years in Papua New Guinea’s education sector. His resignation leaves behind a legacy where he rose from a classroom teacher to the leadership of one of the country’s key higher education institutions.
Dr Waninga’s departure on Thursday, October 29, 2026, marks the end of 20 years of service at the University of Goroka, where he progressed from tutor to lecturer, Head of Department, Pro Vice-Chancellor and eventually Vice-Chancellor.
Despite his Western Highlands Province heritage, Dr. Waninga leaves the university as a proud Eastern Highlander, having dedicated two decades of his professional life to the institution and its students in Goroka.
His final words to the incoming administration is to maintain quality.
“Treat every student equal, don’t compromise and maintain quality at the institution. No bribery and learn to say No and Yes confidently and be willing to make decisions and pass judgements without hesitation.”
He hails from Kul Village of the Ukuni Muvia Tribe in the Mul-Baiyer District of Western Highlands Province.
His educational journey began in 1975 at Kegl Primary School before he proceeded to Komobolepa High School.
After graduating from Bulob Teachers College, Dr Waninga pursued a Bachelor’s degree at the University of New England in Australia from 1992 to 1993. He then began his teaching career in Morobe Province before returning to Holy Trinity, where he served from 1994 to 1996.
In 1997, he returned to the University of New England to further his studies, completing a Master’s degree with Honours before returning to Papua New Guinea.
His career at the University of Goroka began in 2006 as a tutor. By 2007, he had advanced to lecturer and Head of Department, marking the beginning of his progression into academic leadership.
He furthered his postgraduate studies in 2012 and completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 2015.
In 2017, Dr Waninga was appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor before taking over as Vice-Chancellor in 2021, a position he held until his resignation.
During his leadership, the University of Goroka recorded several major infrastructure and institutional developments, including the construction of a five-storey central administration building valued at K130 million.
The building accommodates the Humilaveka Student Forum, which has a reported seating capacity of more than 4,000 people, providing a major venue for university gatherings and student activities.
Other achievements highlighted during his tenure include the fencing of the university campus, student professional development initiatives, and improvements to teaching staff welfare and housing.
A proposed K1 billion student dormitory project is also among the major developments being pursued for the university. The project is expected to be funded through the Tax Credit Scheme involving K92 Mining, with the proposal currently before the National Government for approval.
If approved and delivered, the dormitory project is expected to help address the university’s ongoing student accommodation challenges.
As he prepares to leave office, Dr Waninga has delivered a firm message to the administration that will succeed him, emphasising fairness, integrity, quality and decisive leadership.
His message places emphasis on equal treatment of students, rejecting bribery and maintaining academic standards while encouraging university leaders to make decisions confidently and without unnecessary hesitation.
Dr Waninga resigns with two years remaining on his contract, bringing an end to his tenure earlier than originally scheduled.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr Matthew Landu will serve as Acting Vice-Chancellor for the next six months while the university prepares to readvertise the position and appoint a substantive successor.
After four decades in education and 20 years at the University of Goroka, Dr Waninga leaves behind a career spanning classroom teaching, postgraduate study, academic leadership and university administration.
His resignation marks both the close of a long professional journey and the beginning of a new chapter for the University of Goroka as it prepares for its next substantive leader.
Caption: Outgoing UOG VC Dr Teng Waninga today before his official farewell at the UOG campus in Goroka. Picture By Vicky Baunke
