The University of Fiji is looking to set the benchmark in tertiary and university education in Fiji once again with the launch of several new programs and courses this year.
University Vice Chancellor Dr Shaista Shameem said the institution was adamant to not replicate what was offered elsewhere but to create new, applicable and relevant courses for those wanting to pursue further studies in Fiji.
One such innovation is the new Centre for iTaukei Studies which she says is a first for Fiji with several chiefs and elders teaching the course.
“Our Centre for itaukei studies is unique because it’s the only one in Fiji. We’re the only university that has a centre dedicated for Itaukei studies, that means culture, language, performance, art and craft. We are also moving the education part of the Centre to Levuka and we will be appointing chiefs as professors and that’s will be a drawcard as far as the people of Lomaiviti are concerned. They will benefit as they will have their elders and chiefs teach them aspects of their culture.”
Dr Shameem said the other new courses will address the evolving nature of science and technology.
“For Science and Technology we’re concentrating on things that are topical such as robotics, articial intelligence because everyone knows where science is moving.”
“Everything that Uni Fiji will be doing in 2025 will be new and innovative, we will not be repeating what any of the other institutions will be doing, we believe that to be future ready Uni Fiji has to be ahead of the game for example our schools are small in size, our students are given individual attention, we have a good pass rate and students are looked after from the moment they enter until they graduate and this is something we pride ourselves in.”
