The University of Fiji and the Government of Vanuatu have discussed opportunities to strengthen their relationship in tertiary education following a visit by Vanuatu’s Minister of Education and Training, Hon. Simil Johnson, to the University’s Saweni Campus.
Hon. Johnson, who was accompanied by a high-level delegation, met with senior University officials and Vanuatu students currently studying at UniFiji.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the visit provided an important opportunity to discuss the welfare of Vanuatu students as well as areas for greater cooperation between the University and the Vanuatu Government.
“We were delighted to welcome the Minister of Education from Vanuatu who visited the Saweni Campus accompanied by his high-level delegation. The Hon. Minister met with students from Vanuatu and discussed their wellbeing with them,” Professor Shameem said.
“He appreciated the assistance given to the students through our Senior Managers’ offices in liaison with the High Commission in Suva. He also discussed ways to strengthen the relationship between his Government and UniFiji, including by supporting the Vanuatu Government’s mission to strengthen tertiary education within Vanuatu.”
The University currently has 145 students from Vanuatu enrolled across a range of programmes, with significant numbers studying Commerce, Medicine and Surgery, Medical Health Science, Environmental Science, Nursing and Science.
Chief Finance, Planning and Development Officer Dr Ravineet Sami said the students were enrolled across a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at the University.
“We currently have 145 students from Vanuatu studying at The University of Fiji across a diverse range of programmes. They are an important part of our University community, and we remain committed to supporting them throughout their studies and ensuring they have a positive academic and student experience.”
Vanuatu students are also enrolled in Information Technology, Public Health, Arts, Agricultural Engineering, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Journalism and Media Studies, as well as postgraduate and doctoral programmes.
The visit also provided Hon. Johnson with an opportunity to engage directly with Vanuatu students and hear about their experiences studying in Fiji.
The University of Fiji looks forward to continuing its engagement with the Government of Vanuatu and supporting opportunities that contribute to tertiary education and human resource development in the Pacific.
