University of Papua New Guinea students

The Department of Higher Education and Research, Science and Technology secretary Professor David Kavanamur made this statement in a media release.

He added that all international students from Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, under the bilateral scholarship agreements between the PNG Government and their respective governments, will be issued tickets if they wish to return.

Tickets will be collected at Air Niugini offices nationwide. 

New Ireland Students Association (NISA) president Martin Bomuna told Loop PNG that the two-day event (July 22 and 23) will be held at the Taurama Aquatic Centre in Port Moresby.

“Day one will host the battle of the bands and a traditional pageant while day two will be the official day where traditional dances will be showcased,” says Bomuna, who is a final year anthropology student.

Over 20 self-sponsored students will travel home due to the closure of the 2016 academic year.

An official from the office of the member visited the students at the UPNG Waigani campus yesterday at the Open Arts Theatre (OAT) to officially announce their travel arrangements and issue their electronic ticket numbers.

First 11 students will depart this morning, including nine males and two females, while the second lot of five students will be squeezed in to travel on the afternoon flight.

Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Minister Malakai Tabar will address the students at the Forum Square today regarding the fate of the academic year.

The students have not been attending classes for up to eight weeks now after they first boycotted classes on May 2.

Classes were then suspended for an indefinite period by the university council on May 20.

The suspension lasted for 10 days and students were asked to return to classes to continue semester one on June 13, which was a public holiday.