The University of Fiji Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem has directed students and staff of the University to refrain from travelling to its campuses in Saweni and Samabula until further notice.
This is to ensure that all contingencies are met in light of the Government’s updates on Covid-19 restrictions in Nadi and Lautoka and for schools.
The University of Fiji administrators are closely monitoring the announcements made by the Prime Minister and the Health Ministry before further advising staff and students of any developments.
From this week, all UniFiji classes will be conducted through online virtual classrooms which the University had established in 2020 during the first lockdown.
Professor Shameem said virtual classrooms allowed the University to continue with learning and teaching with very little extra effort as the university’s IT system had been set up already to cope with exactly such an eventuality.
“We had hoped for the best but, at the same time, prepared for the worst in case Fiji had to face Covid-19 community transmission as has happened in other countries leading to interruptions in learning,” she said.
“Lecturers will be able to meet their students and conduct their classes online through the method we have adopted called ‘Face to Face Online’. No student will be disadvantaged this way as even tests and assessments will be conducted online if the lockdown persists,” Professor Shameem said.
She said the University was also able to continue its partnership with internet providers to ensure the costs of connectivity would be managed prudently.
‘While it is unfortunate that Covid-19 has persisted beyond expectation, nevertheless the University of Fiji is well prepared to continue with its core business of teaching, research and learning without pause’, Professor Shameem said.
April 19, 2021
