Residential students at the University of Goroka are vacating campus under police guard to their respective provinces by road.
This followed fighting by students who opposed and supported the ongoing boycott of classes, for Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to set aside.
UOG Chancellor Joseph Sukwianomb told Loop PNG, that “this is in line with the decision of the (academic) senate to have two weeks’ break”.
“They (students) will come back to continue with their programs after the two weeks, (because) we are extending the study break and examination weeks.
“Students have been transported back to their provinces, started last night and continuing this morning for students in the Highlands and Momase Region.
“Last night the Enga and Hela students left and were escorted by police.
“And this morning Morobe police came and escorted the Morobe and Madang students,” Sukwianomb told Loop PNG this morning.
The chancellor said the UOG administration will help to relocate stranded students.
“Smaller groups like East and West Sepik, Central and New Guinea Islands students will be assisted by the UOG Administration to find a location for them off-campus or with staff for the two weeks.”
Around 50 students were taken to Goroka Hospital for medical care following the fight yesterday between Enga and Western Highland students, who want to continue with the boycott, while some students from Eastern Highlands and Chimbu want to return to class.
(Morobe and Madang students departing UOG Campus this morning. Picture by Isaiah Igish)