BY MORRIS NAFU

There are no Solomon Islands students currently enrolled at the University of Goroka (UOG) in Papua New Guinea.

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency William Soaki confirmed this following the recent violent unrest at the university.

“It was an unfortunate incident at the University of Goroka. This year, we do not have any Solomon Islands students studying at the institution,” HE Soaki told Island Sun yesterday.

“The local authorities have since brought the situation under control. The university is now closed for the academic year,” he said.

A local media statement said the unrest stemmed from a clash between university students and residents from the nearby Ato Market area, resulting in over 50 injuries, including 47 students, three locals, and one police officer.

The conflict erupted following an initial assault on students, sparking retaliatory attacks on both students and university property.

In response, UOG suspended classes indefinitely, prompting a mass repatriation of students fleeing to their home provinces amid safety fears.

Papua New Guinea authorities have stepped in to address the issue, exploring options such as repatriating students to complete exams next year or relocating them temporarily to secure facilities in places like Lae for testing.

Photo: Supplied

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