UPNG set to observe national holiday to honor Late Sir Michael Somare

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) will join the rest of the country in honoring founding father late Sir Michael Thomas Somare tomorrow.

26 February is a declared public holiday in remembrance of the pioneer Prime Minister.

PNG got Independence from Australia on September 16, 1975.

In a circular (No. 10/2026) issued by Vice Chancellor Professor Ian Findlay, all normal lectures and business activities at UPNG will be suspended on the Remembrance Day.

It read the school’s operations will resume on Friday, 27 February 2026.

Essential services including Unforce and Physical Facilities Management (plumbing/electrical sections) are required to maintain their working arrangements during the holiday, it said.

Meanwhile, NCD Governor Powes Parkop is hosting the annual Virgil Memorial Service at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium to honor late Sir Michael Somare’s legacy tomorrow evening.

It will start with a national unity walk from Ela Beach to the stadium.

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