PNG Students Protest Omission from UPNG Graduation List

More than 70 PNG students from the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Natural and Physical Sciences have been left frustrated after discovering their names were missing from this year’s graduation list.

The group assembled at the Waigani campus in Port Moresby yesterday morning, calling on university authorities to explain the exclusion despite claims that they had fulfilled all academic requirements.

Students, including those who travelled in from other provinces, gathered at the Science Building where they met with senior officials, including SNPS Dean Professor Simon Saulei, Executive Officer Jason Alonk, and Pro-Vice Chancellor Academic and Student Affairs Professor Betty Lovai.

During the meeting, the administration acknowledged internal shortcomings, admitting that the issue stemmed from administrative inconsistencies rather than any failure on the part of the students.

Professor Saulei assured the group that the matter would be escalated to the university’s Vice Chancellor, noting that the final determination lies with the institution’s Senate.

“I will take this whatever has been said and meet up with the VC to sort this issue out, I will try... I will relay the responses to you people, not today, but anytime this week,” he said.

Students expressed cautious optimism, saying they are hopeful the university leadership will act promptly, with one student noting confidence in the Vice Chancellor’s past responsiveness to student concerns as they now await the Senate’s decision.