aniket, Author at The University of Fiji

Jan 17

Dear Students

Greetings from the Office of the Registrar!

Kindly note that the Application for Completion of Programme is now open for 4th April, 2025 Graduation.

Students eligible to apply for Completion of Programme are those who have completed their programme of

study in:

Semester 2, 2024
Trimester 3, 2024
Flexi, 2024-2025

Students who have already applied, need not re-apply.

Please find the attached Advertisement and Application for Completion of Programme.

CALL FOR APPLICATION – COMPLETION OF PROGRAMME

APPLICATION-FOR-COMPLETION-OF-PROGRAMME-FORM

Dec 31

White Shrimp Harvest Marks Milestone in Sustainable Aquaculture at Vitawa Village

Vitawa Village, Rakiraki – The University of Fiji celebrated a significant achievement in sustainable aquaculture with its first white shrimp harvest this month at the Vitawa Village Aquaculture Farm in the Ra Province, located in the northern area of Viti Levu, the Fijian’s largest Island. This milestone highlights efforts toward food security and rural aquaculture under a US$350,00 US Agency for International Development (USAID) Pacific American Fund grant.

The event was attended by Minister of Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu, who highlighted the critical role of the recently passed Aquaculture Bill in advancing Fiji’s aquaculture sector.

USAID Pacific Islands Mission Director Zema Semunegus highlighted the critical role of partnerships with universities and other like-minded donors in driving local solutions to improve community livelihoods. “This partnership between the Vitawa community, the University of Fiji, USAID, and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) has strengthened food security, generated income, and equipped community members with entrepreneurial skills for long-term sustainable solutions,” said Semunegus.

“This initiative goes beyond improving livelihoods—it empowers families to invest in their futures, from sending their children to school to meeting other essential needs. It exemplifies how innovation and collaboration can transform lives and create lasting impact,” she added.

USAID Pacific American Fund Chief of Party, Erin LaCroix, commended the project as a testament to innovation in rural development. “This is more than just an aquaculture endeavor. It is a lifeline for communities in Vitawa, where challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have demanded creativity and determination to rebuild livelihoods”, she said.

Director Quality Assurance at The University of Fiji, Mr. Deepak Lal, speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, emphasized the importance of academia in addressing community needs through impactful initiatives like this. “This project reflects UniFiji’s commitment to giving back and serving communities, particularly in areas where the need is greatest,” he said.

Mr. Tomas Chan, representing TaiwanICDF, expressed gratitude to the Vitawa community for their dedication, highlighting the stocking of 10,000 larvae in June, the fruits of which we bear witness as an early holiday gift.

UniFiji Project Manager, Kelera Railoa, provided the latest update on the harvest: the anticipated total harvest of 100 kg white shrimp will be carried out in partial harvests. On Day 1, 26 kg was collected, generating FJD 1,300 (equivalent to USD561.06) in sales, with additional harvests continuing over the next few days.

Mr. Rusi Waqata, representing the Vitawa community, thanked all partners for their support, including the Ministry of Fisheries, USAID Pacific American Fund, UniFiji and its partner the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF), TaiwanICDF, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and University of the South Pacific.

“This harvest showcases the dedication of our community in adopting sustainable aquaculture practices,” said Mr. Waqata, Chair of the Vitawa Pond Management Committee.

This project and multi-stakeholder collaboration align with Fiji’s broader initiatives to foster the Blue Economy, enhance food security, and strengthen climate resilience, particularly in areas affected by saltwater intrusion.

Pictured L-R: Tui Navatu, USAID Pacific American Fund Chief of Party Erin Lacroix, University of Fiji Director Quality Assurance Mr Deepak Lal, Honorable Minister for Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu, Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) lead Mr Tomas Chan and Mr Evan, celebrating the success of the White shrimp farming initiative, holding the fresh first catch of shrimp.

Community members, project stakeholders, and dignitaries observe the first catch of shrimp from the Vitawa village Aquaculture farm.

Chief Guest Honorable Minister Alitia Bainivalu (third from left) delivering her address. Seated 1st -2nd left Director Quality Assurance University of Fiji Mr Deepak Lal, Taiwan Technical Mission Director Mr Jerry Liao, 4th & 5th from left USAID Pacific American Fund Chief of Party Erin LaCroix, Vitawa village Chief Tui Navatu

Dec 13

UniFiji Opens an Office in Levuka

In a bold move to provide comprehensive, broad and quality higher education to the maritime areas of Fiji starting in Levuka, the University of Fiji today opened its office in the old capital, at Nasova.

The office was officially opened by the Acting British High Commissioner to Fiji, Her Excellency, Nicola Noble.
The University of Fiji offers certificate, diploma and degree programmes in a range of subjects including Law, Humanities and Arts, Science and Technology, Medicine and Health Sciences and iTaukei Studies.

Speaking at the opening, the Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said that most of the University’s programmes will be offered in the on-line mode through the its unique teaching platform, TopHat. TopHat allows students to attend lectures from their own locations, thus minimizing transport and accommodation needs for students. Face-to-face classes are also available to the students by separate arrangement.
Professor Shameem said that the University was becoming well known for providing a different methodology in educational delivery by focusing on student-centered teaching and learning.

From this perspective, the classrooms in Levuka would become the physical environment, for example the sea and reefs for marine science classes, the first Government of Fiji Nasova location for constitutional law courses and the adjacent traditional buildings for courses in iTaukei Studies.

In a related significant educational strategy, the University is planning to appoint Ovalau’s traditional leaders as Adjunct Professors in iTaukei Studies so that students can learn from the best knowledge holders of the area.

The University will also appoint well-known Levuka residents as Ambassadors of the University to assist with its reach to the outlying maritime areas.

In her opening address the Acting British High Commissioner said that this is an important moment for the University of Fiji and the community of Levuka which is happening in the first Governor to Fiji’s house.

“It is particularly fitting that in a house that represents significant period of transformation, today we are knocking a new opportunity in this historic building making history once more by turning a state of historical ruins into a center of learning and cultural preservation. Repurposing a house to become a home to the very first University of Fiji office in Levuka.”

“The University of Fiji is the first and only institution that has developed a partnership with an entire town to assist in its development and the future plans are impressive.”

Also attending the openingg was the Royal Society of Arts Manufactures and Commerce Dr Erica Meyers-Davies and Dr Scott Phillips. Speaking at the opening, Dr Phillips said, the RSA was privileged to work with the University of Fiji and together they will shape change.

“It is equally exciting that the University of Fiji is opening a new hub university house here in Levuka. It means that the Island people can study a full range of higher education programmes offered by unifiji right here. It opens up a world of learning new ideas and research to the people of this town.”

“The RSA Oceania Board which includes Professor Shaista Shameem sincerely hopes that the University of Fiji’s students from this beautiful Island will be inspired to become junior fellows of RSA in the future.”
Mr Ben Naidu who represented the Levuka Town Council as Chair of the Board said that the first establishment of the University of Fiji in Levuka marks a historic milestone.

“The University of Fiji in Partnership with the University of Bradford has opened doors for higher education not only for the people Levuka and the Lomaiviti group but Fiji as a large.”

“This occasion is also a testament to the enduring spirit of Levuka as a birth place of Fiji.”

“Today we have fulfilled the dream of opening the University of Fijis office in Levuka which marks a beginning of a new era in Levuka. It represents the opportunities for our youth empowerment to education and a future where knowledge and learning pave the way for prosperity and development.”

The opening of the first office in Levuka represents a new chapter for the University of Fiji as it expands its reach and influence. This initiative not only provides accessible education to maritime students but also strengthens the relationship between the University and the Levuka community.
With 20 students already applying for registration on the opening day, the office is poised to be a gateway for higher education opportunities. Many more are expected to enroll in the coming weeks, signaling the start of a promising journey for the University and the maritime communities it serves.

Dec 02

University of Fiji’s Accounting Programmes Re-Accredited by FICA

The University of Fiji’s undergraduate and postgraduate Accounting programmes under the School of Business and Economics (SOBE) has been re-accredited by the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants (FICA).
This esteemed recognition is valid for three years, from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026, marking a testament to the university’s commitment to academic excellence and professional relevance.
This accreditation, approved by the FICA Council, ensures the university’s accounting programs meet the highest educational standards aligned with industry needs and global benchmarks. It strengthens the university’s reputation as a leading institution for accounting education, producing graduates who are ready to excel in the local and international job markets.
Professor Kishor Chandra Meher, Head of the Department of Accounting and Finance and Acting Dean of SOBE, expressed his gratitude and shared that achieving the program’s accreditation represents a significant milestone for the Department of Accounting and Finance, the School of Business and Economics, and the University of Fiji.
“This accreditation guarantees that our accounting programmes offerings meet high-quality standards in line with international benchmarks for qualifications. Industries recognize the value of graduates from accredited programs, as this ensures quality and adherence to market and job standards. Our school is dedicated to providing exceptional learning and teaching experiences to align with the labour demands of both local and international markets.”
“Moreover, accreditation instils confidence in those considering investments in our programs, enhancing the institution’s reputation as a credible and esteemed entity.”
He also shared that this collaboration between accounting programs and FICA will be widely recognized by the corporations employing graduates from the Department of Accounting and Finance.
It is expected to result in several advantages such as Inter-industry collaboration and curriculum advisory, In-class presentations by industry professionals to enhance practical understanding, Research collaboration, Case study learning to develop the student’s cognitive skills, Opportunities for funding and scholarships and facilitating outstanding students at an award ceremony by the school.

Dec 02

University of Fiji Graduates Embrace GenNext Responsibility for Global Change

All those attending the University of Fiji Graduation Ceremony, irrespective of their age group or station in life, should label themselves as ‘GenNext’ and take the responsibility to act in the public good on behalf of their people, their places and their planet.

This was the message given by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem when addressing the graduating students, their parents, families and invited guests at the Saweni Campus.

Professor Shameem said that people of all ages who were attending the University’s graduation ceremony could provide a united and collective voice for all the generations, present and future, to combat the serious problems faced not only by Fijians but the whole world. Such problems included conflicts, gross human rights violations, shameless exploitation of people and natural resources, rampant profiteering in the name of industry and economic development, and unchecked abuse of power and privilege.

The generations to date, for example the baby boomers, Generation X, the millennials, and even Generation Z in parts, had all left behind a wrecked planet. She said it was their duty now, together with the current generation, to provide avenues, and not just band-aid solutions, for societal improvement on behalf of everyone especially the generations to come. This collective could define itself as GenNext as this term did not leave out any particular age group, said Professor Shameem.

Professor Shameem said the University of Fiji, with its human values foundation of education and its collective community outlook, served as a good anchor for GenNext. Not only was the University internationally accredited, it was also organizationally proficient, having being asked by significant stakeholders to help develop their strategic plans. For example, the University had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Levuka Town Council to assist the Council with its sustainable development plans.

As part of the MOU arrangements with the Levuka Town Council, the University would offer programmes for the whole community, including school leavers. The University’s special brand of education was holistic and inclusive which suited the unique culture of Levuka and Ovalau.

MOUs with other significant organizations across all sectors in Fiji were in the pipeline for strategic plan development.

Professor Shameem said the graduates of the University of Fiji were highly regarded by public bodies and the private sector due to the combination of strong formal qualifications and emotional intelligence in the graduate profile. This meant that the completion and employment rates of the University were second to none. The University’s data revealed that more than 80% of its graduates were employed in the public and private sectors and many were in senior positions. The University also encouraged self-employment and entrepreneurship that specifically protected the environment and people. The business model that destroyed the environment and exploited people and resources was discouraged at the University, she said.

To ensure that optimum quality higher education was provided to its students, the University’s outputs were assessed on a yearly basis. Outcomes related to nation-building and improving the world were also measured annually through the quality assurance unit of the University.

Professor Shameem said the University had a firm view of what a knowledge-based society should look like. Its students were carefully trained to ensure that when they graduated they would be leaders with their social responsibility chip confidently displayed.

She congratulated the graduates for being successful role models to all who came after them. A total of 327 students graduated from the University at the ceremony.