Madang education division clarifies situation at Malala Catholic secondary school

Members of nearby communities blocking off the school gate (Malala Catholic sec) while staging a peaceful march on Wednesday (Image: Supplied)

The Madang Provincial Education Division has clarified the circumstances surrounding the ongoing situation at Malala Catholic Secondary School following tensions between the school administration and nearby communities.

Early Wednesday morning (January 28), members of nearby communities staged a peaceful march to the school and locked the main gate, demanding that the principal vacate the school before classes resumed.

Madang Provincial Education Director Alphonse Igag said a meeting was held on January 21, 2026, at Malala Secondary School. Those present included Secondary Schools Inspector Mitchell Airi, the school principal, 18 teachers, and Sr. Edith, the last teaching Holy Spirit Sister at the school.

During the meeting, Principal John Tomokai reportedly stated that he would vacate Malala Secondary School by Saturday, January 24.

However, Igag said the principal did not honor that undertaking.

“The situation that occurred today, where certain members of nearby villages came and locked the main school gate, was a show of frustration.

“As far as the Education Division in Madang is concerned, the principal should have kept to his word.

"He gave the undertaking to leave Malala Secondary School but overstayed the time he was supposed to vacate. This prompted members of the neighboring communities to move onto the campus," Igag said.

He also addressed allegations circulating about the misuse or abuse of school funds by the principal.

“The Division of Education does not directly authorize the withdrawal and use of funds in Catholic Agency schools.

"That authority lies with the Catholic Education Office,” he explained.

He said any investigation into financial allegations must be initiated by the Catholic Education Office, which can then formally request the Education Division to involve the Secondary Schools Inspector to carry out an investigation.

The Education Division says it remains committed to ensuring proper processes are followed while maintaining stability and order in schools across Madang Province.