Media Statement: Immediate Measures to Strengthen Student Safety

The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) Council and Senior Executive Management wish to address the security concerns arising from the incident that occurred on Saturday, 18 July 2026, at the Unitech Adventist Residential College (UARC) Girls’ Dormitory.

We recognize the fear and emotional distress experienced by the female students affected and extend our sincere support to them. We assure our student body, parents, guardians, staff, alumni and the wider community that the safety, wellbeing and security of our students remain the University’s highest priority.

Immediately following the incident, University Management, led by the Registrar and supported by the Student Services and Facilities Centre (SSFC), implemented a number of immediate measures to support affected students and ensure their safety. These included:
• Relocating all affected students to secure accommodation within the University’s main female residential facilities.
• Providing welfare support and counselling services through the Student Services and Facilities Centre.
• Meeting with affected students to listen to their concerns and provide reassurance.
• Compiling student statements and inventories of lost property to support police investigations and any further assistance that may be provided.
• Reporting the matter to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
• Suspending the use of the UARC Girls’ Dormitory until the University is satisfied that the necessary repairs have been completed and appropriate security measures are in place.

The Senior Executive Management has also resolved that our security arrangements and operations be reviewed, and we are working closely with relevant stakeholders to strengthen security on campus.

The following measures are being implemented:
Short-Term Measures (to be completed by the end of July 2026)
• Increase security personnel and overnight patrols across student residential areas.
• Upgrade security infrastructure, including improved lighting, and surveillance measures.
• Strengthen emergency response procedures and improve communication channels, including the distribution of emergency security contact numbers and reporting protocols.
• Continue working closely with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to support investigations and enhance campus security operations.
• Establish an Investigation Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the incident and current security arrangements, with recommendations to be presented to University Management within two weeks.
• Keep the UARC Girls’ Dormitory closed until all required repairs and security improvements by the UARC management have been completed to the University’s satisfaction. 

Long-Term Measures
• Undertake a comprehensive review of the University’s security operations, including the engagement of professional security service providers.
• Progressively strengthen perimeter security through the construction of permanent fencing around vulnerable sections of the campus.
• Expand CCTV coverage and other electronic surveillance systems across the University.
• Introduce electronic access control systems for student residential areas and other restricted facilities.
• Strengthen rapid emergency response capabilities and campus-wide security coordination.

The University confirms that the recent incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday, 18 July 2026, when a group of armed individuals unlawfully entered the Unitech Adventist Residential College (UARC) Girls’ Dormitory, forced entry into student rooms and stole personal belongings. While no female students sustained physical injuries, the University recognizes the significant  emotional and psychological impact of this traumatic incident on those affected. 

We understand the concern this incident has caused among students, parents, guardians, staff, alumni and the wider community. University Management is treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and remains committed to implementing appropriate measures to safeguard students and staff across the campus and residential facilities.

Approved for Release by:
Professor Ora Renagi OBE, FPAS
Vice Chancellor
Papua New Guinea University of Technology