News & Events Archives - Page 10 of 82

May 13

UniFiji says any review of the Statistics Act 1961 must be comprehensive and as objective as possible due to Fiji’s social complexity

In making submissions to the Department of Statistics on the review of the now outdated Statistics Act, the University of Fiji says that any legislative review must employ an appropriate methodology based both on science and a keen understanding of the social milieu of Fiji.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem emphasized that the aim behind collection of data for statistical analysis by the government or any stakeholder should be scientifically robust and objective so that policy development is based on reality rather than assumptions and presumptions about our complex Fijian society.

The University made a total of 8 recommendations for the Statistics Department to include in its current revision of the Act. These are as follows:

the need for an accurate interpretation section,
the role of the Bureau of Statistics to put in place transparent quality assurance benchmarks on data collection and information techniques at all stages of the process to reduce inconsistencies in the collection of data, and to enhance digital data storage with better back-up facilities to prevent data theft,
to include collection of environmental data in the duties of the Government Statistician,
to use gender neutral language in the collection of data in accordance with modern practice and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) requirements,
the task of the (new proposed) Statistics Advisory Committee to also advise on any gaps in the statistical services provided so that the Bureau can improve on its services,
to include an officer from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change on the proposed Statistics Advisory Committee,
to amend the First Schedule to include underdevelopment, well-being, disability, crime and justice, gender and sex, sexual orientation, and technology and digitalization competency on the list of items for data collection, and
to include capacity for a continually updated index structure for the First Schedule of the revised legislation.

Professor Shameem said that the revision of the Act gave the Bureau an opportunity to get things right so that anyone could obtain an accurate picture of the economic, social, technological or any other attribute of the demographics of the country. People needed to obtain information from policy makers without having to decipher whether the data collection could be tainted or biased in any way. She said that the people of Fiji had the constitutional right to receive information based on scientific methods of data collection so that they could make wise decisions for themselves and their families.

Similarly, policy makers could draft sustainable policy only if the data they based their policies and law on was accurately collected and analysed and founded on objectivity and authenticity from the start, she said.

May 13

The University of Fiji Launches 9-Aside Soccer Competition Programme

The University of Fiji launched its 9-aside soccer competition programme yesterday afternoon with the aim to challenge business houses and tertiary institutions in the West to professional level.

Three of UniFiji’s student players are already in professional games as members of Ba, Lautoka, and Rakiraki clubs.

Altogether, the University signed up seven student and one staff team for the series, which will run for two weeks from today. The best players will be selected for the University of Fiji Football Club, which will then challenge other professional teams in the Western Division.

At the opening ceremony today, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem, said that the University encouraged its staff and students to take active part in sports for their well-being as well as to foster agility and strategy in University work. The University had partnered with the Student Association to identify the best players for the University Football Club. The Association had also provided initial sponsorship, along with some business houses. The first heats will determine who the best players were, she said.

The University Football Club Organizing Committee had also sought advice from Ba Coach, Dr Diva Singh, who was a member of the University Council and an alumnus of the University’s Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Organizing Committee members Naveel Swamy and Dipesh Kumar said the first game was an exciting showdown between two student teams, showcasing excellent skill, coordination, and sportsmanship.

The pool of matches had sett a high bar for the rest of the tournament. They added that the competition not only promotes athletic excellence but also builds camaraderie, discipline, and school spirit among students and staff.

The University of Fiji looks forward to strengthening its presence in regional football through this initiative and invites the wider community to support and attend the matches over the next two weeks.

May 13

University of Fiji Celebrates Inaugural Intra-University Mathematics Competition

The University of Fiji marked a significant academic milestone with the successful hosting of its inaugural Intra-University Mathematics Competition, aimed at promoting analytical thinking, teamwork, and cross-disciplinary engagement among students.

The competition, organized by Ms. Ayesha Reddy, was held in collaboration with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor (OVC), the Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, and the University of Fiji Student Association (UFSA). Open to all students irrespective of their programme or School or Faculty, the event provided a platform for students to apply mathematical reasoning in a collaborative and competitive setting.

Delivering the opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the competition reflected the University’s commitment to cultivating intellectual curiosity across all fields of study.

“We believe that Mathematics is a fundamental language of logic and precision that underpins all scientific and technological progress. It is not just for those in science, but for everyone every student no matter what discipline they are in.”

“This competition is not just about numbers, but about nurturing the ability to think critically and creatively. I commend the organizers for initiating this event and encourage all our students to keep challenging themselves.”

The event’s Chief Guest, Professor Roy Kimble, an internationally recognized medical researcher and visiting academic, praised the University for investing in initiatives that foster deeper thinking and problem-solving skills.

“I’ve always believed that mathematics underpins not only science, but also how we solve real problems in the world whether in engineering, health, or economics.”

“Competitions like this are more than just academic exercises. They inspire creativity, confidence, and a sense of achievement in young minds.”

“Congratulations to the University of Fiji for investing in an event that will surely leave a lasting impression on these students and their approach to problem-solving.”

The first prize was awarded to Group 1, comprising Shayneel Chand, Swastika Prasad, Avantika Kaur, Hewa Rathnaweera, and Isoa Vuetivoni, who received a large goodies and educational hamper along with a trophy. Group 8, consisting of Lavesh Sharma, Saemah Nishat, Umme Kulthum, Nishita Sinha, and Immanuel Saxena, secured second place and received a medium-sized hamper and a trophy.

The University congratulates all participants and winners for their outstanding performance and extends appreciation to the organizers, sponsors, and academic departments involved in making the event a success. This initiative reflects UniFiji’s continued mission to provide enriching academic experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom.

May 13

Empowered Teachers, Transformed Futures: UniFiji Law Lecturer Inspires at FTU Women’s Wing AGM

“A teacher who is well-supported is empowered to do more, give more, and inspire more. And a child that is given proper attention and supported in the pursuit of education becomes a better human being one who will become resourceful and productive in their future endeavors.”

These were the powerful sentiments shared by University of Fiji Law Lecturer, Mrs. Sainiana Radrodro, as Chief Guest at the 33rd Annual General Meeting of the Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) Women’s Wing, held yesterday at Cuvu College, Nadroga.

Addressing a gathering of women educators, Mrs. Radrodro underscored the essential role of collaboration in driving educational transformation. “In this era of rapid change and complex challenges, no single teacher, policy, or institution can drive transformation alone. But together educators, parents, policymakers, and communities—we become a force capable of shaping futures.”

She praised the University of Fiji for encouraging its faculty and staff to participate in community-based efforts and called on the teachers present to always remember the power of their daily work. “As you lead, teach, and perform your honorable duties each day, see the child under your care as a precious human being with the potential to break cycles of poverty and become a changemaker.”

Mrs. Radrodro shared a deeply personal story of her own upbringing, recalling her days as a student at Dilkusha Girls School. She highlighted the transformative role played by one of her teachers, Mrs. Savitri Chand, who offered mentorship, support, and kindness at a vulnerable time in her life. “She saw a child in need—not a race, not a stereotype. I am today a firm believer in the good of humanity without any stereotyping lens, because Mrs. Chand defied the popular script. She was Indo-Fijian, I was iTaukei. But she saw me simply as a child who needed help.”

Speaking on the theme of inclusivity, she stated, “Each time teachers see beyond race, religion, creed, and gender—and instead see a student as a promise and a gift—we win. Our communities win. Our nation wins. Humanity wins.”

Mrs. Radrodro emphasised that education thrives on relationships—between teachers and students, among colleagues, and within communities. She acknowledged the FTU as a testament to the strength of such relationships, built on mutual respect and shared purpose.

In closing, she urged the teachers to support each other and celebrate their accomplishments. “Each mountain climbed is another reason to sit back and celebrate. Be a friend to other women. Compete for good, but never at the expense of friendship. Your role as teachers is one of the most profound and important in the world.”

She ended with a rallying call: “Progress is never the result of one person, one leader, or one moment. It is the product of collective effort, shared dreams, and an unwavering belief in the power of education.”

Apr 11

The University of Fiji and Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH Hospitals) sign Memorandum of Understanding for medical education for UniFiji’s Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Sciences

The University of Fiji and the Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH Hospitals) today signed a far-reaching Memorandum of Understanding which covers support for supervised medical attachments, clinical training, specialization, joint academic research and a proposed pharmaceutical research collaboration.

The MOU covers a period of three-years and will mainly be executed in the PSH Hospitals facility in Nadi.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji Professor Shaista Shameem expressed her appreciation to the founder and CEO of PSH Hospitals Mr Parvish Kumar for reaching out to the University of Fiji’s Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Sciences (UPSMHS) to offer a collaboration which will allow UniFiji’s medical students to take full advantage of the high-level medical training provided at PSH.

The MoU covers both MBBS and Nursing programmes of the University.

UPSM offers MBBS and Nursing programmes at its Saweni and Samabula Campuses. Professor Shameem said the MoU will also provide avenues for working collaboratively with UniFiji’s medical academics in Saweni and Suva on research topics of mutual interest, particularly in specialist areas of medicine.

In detail, the MoU will achieve the following:

Firstly, to provide student attachments and hands-on clinical training opportunities under the supervision of highly qualified specialist professionals for different medical specialization and hospital protocols.

Secondly to enhance UPSM lecturers’ further education by providing specialist doctors as guest lecturers on topics of mutual interest, and hosting case discussions, seminars, workshops. The MoU covers skill-based and hospital protocol training for students. Professor Shameem said the University also hoped to advance its post-graduate education at UPSM;

Thirdly, in an area of particular interest to the University’s management, the MoU covers collaboration to integrate telemedicine into medical training and patient care. This means developing structured telemedicine modules for student training, allowing students and staff to observe and participate in virtual patient consultations under supervision while complying with all ethical and legal frameworks for telemedicine consultations.

Professor Shameem said that telemedicine represented the 21^st century exponential growth area in modern medicine and the University wanted to provide opportunities for its students in all types of medical innovations to be future ready.

In addition, UniFiji and PSH Hospitals will also work closely together in pharmaceutical research support and clinical trials subject to the necessary legal approvals. Professor Shameem said UniFiji was encouraged that PSH Hospitals would include it in their innovative developments subject to ethical considerations that apply to the University.

UniFiji students and staff will gain exposure at PSH Hospitals in cardiology, for example in angioplasty (stenting), angiography, and in neurosurgery operations.

For the University’s nursing students, additional training will be provided by PSH Hospitals in practical, patient-centered, learning thus strengthening UniFiji’s current nursing training and, more widely, Fiji’s nursing workforce.

Professor Shameem said that through the MoU the medical professionals of both PSH Hospitals and UniFiji are provided with an excellent and far-sighted opportunity to work closely together in modern medicine and medical education to improve the health status of the people of Fiji and the region.

“We know that the PSH Hospitals offers a range of surgical specializations and is willing to share its expertise in all areas of healthcare to both students and staff of the University. This is indeed an admirable endeavour for which we are grateful to the CEO and staff of PSH Hospitals,” she said.

PSH Hospitals CEO Mr. Parvish Kumar said that the initiative aims to inspire UniFiji students to become future leaders in the medical profession.

“We should look at producing our own medical professionals and through this collaboration we are really hoping that we are able to inspire students,” he said.

Mr. Kumar explained that while traditionally medical colleges in Fiji have been associated with public hospitals in Suva or Lautoka for clinical attachments, this partnership will offer students a unique experience.

“PSH Hospitals has been spearheading the development of medicine and healthcare technologies in Fiji. We have systems and technology here in Fiji which are not available anywhere in the public sector. So, with this collaboration and this vision, your students will now get that exposure into technology and surgical procedures which is not currently available locally,” he said.

Mr. Kumar added that this partnership would give UniFiji students a competitive edge over others in the field.

“We are hoping that when they finish their MBBS, they’ll be so focused that they’ll aspire to specialize in interventional cardiology, open-heart surgery, or advanced surgery. For this reason, we are very happy to be signing this MoU,” he said.

Dr Abhijit Gogoi, Associate Professor at the University of Fiji’s Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Sciences, further elaborated on the partnership, highlighting its significance in strengthening healthcare education and delivery in Fiji.

He said the collaboration between UniFiji and PSH Hospitals is designed to provide UPSM students with valuable hands-on clinical attachments across various medical specialties, allowing them to gain practical experience under the supervision of qualified medical professionals. In addition, the partnership will enhance academic learning through specialist guest lectures, case discussions, seminars, workshops, and skill-based training sessions facilitated by PSH Hospitals medical experts.

Dr Gogoi also noted that a key component of the agreement is the integration of telemedicine into medical training and patient care, enabling students to be part of virtual consultations and digital health innovations that will benefit people living in remote areas. He said the partnership reflects a shared commitment between the University of Fiji and PSH Hospitals to advance healthcare education, promote innovation, and improve healthcare accessibility and service delivery for the people of Fiji.

This partnership marks a significant step forward in advancing medical education and healthcare innovation in Fiji, reinforcing UniFiji’s commitment to producing skilled, future-ready medical professionals for the nation and the region.