The School of Humanities and Social Sciences is proud to count among its graduates some of Papua New Guinea's most distinguished leaders, scholars, and professionals. Their achievements inspire current students and reflect the enduring impact of a UPNG education.
4th Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (1988–1992)
Bachelor of Arts in history and English, 1970, in UPNG's first graduating class, then a master's at Victoria in Canada. The first Papua New Guinean graduate appointed to the University's academic staff, and Prime Minister from 1988 to 1992. (1947–2023)
5th Governor-General of PNG; author of The Crocodile
One of UPNG's first graduates, 1970, and author of The Crocodile (1970), the first novel published by a Papua New Guinean. Later Director of Education, diplomat, and Governor-General from 1990 to 1991. (1936–1993)
PNG's first professor; historian and playwright
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in history, 1972. The first Papua New Guinean to earn a PhD and the first appointed to a professorship, he headed UPNG's History department and was Dean of Arts before entering Parliament in 1992 and serving as a cabinet minister. (1945–2024)
Executive Dean, UPNG School of Humanities and Social Sciences
A UPNG graduate who took her honours degree in 1989, then a master's in social policy at Nottingham and a PhD at La Trobe. Executive Dean of this School since 2007, and a 2010 recipient of the US Secretary of State's International Women of Courage Award.
Playwright and poet — Which Way, Big Man?
Bachelor of Arts in literature, 1982. Papua New Guinea's best-known playwright and poet, remembered for the satire Which Way, Big Man? (1976) and awarded the independence medal in 1985 for Taurama. (1944–2024)
Poet and playwright — Reluctant Flame
Studied at UPNG, where he was President of the Student Representative Council and a leading voice of the decolonisation movement. Author of the poetry collections Reluctant Flame (1971) and Hanuabada (1972), and later a Kiriwina chief. (1949–2023)