Category: News & Events

In a ground-breaking achievement, Ayesha Kirti Reddy, has engraved her name in the institution’s history as the first student to attain A+ in all her units. Her remarkable academic record has also earned her the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Award, a recognition reserved for students who demonstrate outstanding excellence.
Hailing from Barara, a small village nestled between Nadi and Lautoka, Ayesha has always considered education her sanctuary. From an early age, her parents instilled in her the importance of learning, providing her with books and writing materials at just three years old. Unlike many who view education as a challenge, Ayesha embraced it as a source of joy and fulfillment.
“My parents made sure I had everything I needed to excel in education. There were no major financial struggles, but their sacrifices have been my biggest motivation,” she said.
Ayesha enrolled at the University of Fiji due to its close proximity to her home and the availability of her chosen program, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics, coupled with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching. From the onset, she set a goal to achieve the highest marks in every unit, not to compete with others, but to continuously improve herself.
“I treated every assignment, assessment, and quiz as the most important evaluation of my life. Time management was the key, and I ensured that I attended every lecture and fully engaged with the coursework,” she shared.
When she learned that she had become the first student in UniFiji’s history to secure straight A+ in all units, she was overjoyed but not surprised.
“It was my goal from the first semester, and I worked diligently towards it. Staying grounded and continuously striving for betterment is what keeps me going,” she stated.
Adding to her list of achievements, Ayesha is also the recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s Award, an accolade that she describes as a dream come true.
“I am on cloud nine. Professor Shaista Shameem has been an inspiring figure for me since my early days at the university, and receiving this award under her leadership is a great honor,” she expressed.
Her family, she says, is even more excited and proud than she is. “Their unwavering support has been my backbone throughout my journey.”
While many may look up to her for inspiration, Ayesha believes that each student’s journey is unique.
“I don’t want others to aim to be like me. Instead, I want them to pursue excellence because it is their own dream. Achieving A+ is not impossible; it is very much within reach for anyone willing to put in the effort.”
As she steps forward, armed with historic achievements and unwavering determination, Ayesha’s journey stands as a testament to perseverance and academic excellence. Her story is not just about breaking records; it is about proving that with the right mindset and dedication, success is inevitable.

In a world that feels very volatile, with conflicts, radically transformed international relations policies which have impacted the global economy, and ecological and climate crises in small islands, the University of Fiji aims to provide stability, with its highly educated and well-informed graduates entering the job market yearly. The University’s graduates are not only well-qualified, they are also trained to be advocates for their communities and for the nation as a whole.

This was the message delivered by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem, as 283 graduands were awarded their certificates, diplomas and degrees by the University’s Pro-Chancellor Pundit Bhuwan Dutt at its Saweni Campus today.

Professor Shameem said that the reason for the high success rate of the University’s graduates in the employment market was because that its curriculum was based on the human values approach to education. This was the system proposed by the Founders of the University, the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, when they established an educational spectrum from early childhood to tertiary institution which promoted holistic education as the best solution for national and global problems.

Professor Shameem said that the University was proud to be an independent institution, with academic freedom protected in the University of Fiji Act. Its students not only earned the best qualifications, they also graduated with the attributes of independence, courage, integrity, ethics, compassion and kindness towards others. The University’s graduates possessed both emotional intelligence and paper qualifications, she said.

Professor Shameem said that the University’s sphere of influence was far-reaching with an exponential effect on developments in Fiji and the region as its graduates became employed in a variety of leadership roles. The combination of the ancient Indian education methodology of gurukul, combined with the Drua Voyage perspective, gave the University its edge in the tertiary education space and the job market in Fiji and globally, she said.

The University of Fiji’s graduates were head-hunted for top jobs as it had obtained international accreditation in all its programmes through the Quality Assurance Agency (Global) benchmarks, in compliance with the European Standards and Guidelines in higher education.

Referring to the proposed reform of Fiji’s Education Act, Professor Shameem said that the University’s view on education was that it could not be offered in silos or compartments but should be constructed as a life-long learning process. She said the University was thankful that this opinion was shared by the Education Ministry with the University playing an active part in providing transformative curriculum reviews when requested.

The value-added contribution of the University to nation-building was that its graduates were qualified as required in all the traditional subjects and, simultaneously, well-versed in the human values approach to work and life that the University represented, Professor Shameem said.

In commemorating UN World Autism Day which falls on Wednesday April 2, the University of Fiji says that existing legislation and policies related to persons living with autism should be reviewed to ensure they uphold equality, non-discrimnation and inclusivity as protected by section 26 of the Constitution of Fiji.

The United Nations General Assembly designated April 2 each year to observe and promote awareness of autism worldwide.

Persons living with autism should not face discrimination, stigma, or isolation at home, in schools, or in accessing their right to equal educational opportunities. Denial of these rights constitutes a direct violation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which the Fijian Government ratified in 2017, the University of Fiji said.

The University urges all decision-makers and stakeholders to play their role in raising awareness about autism, its early detection, and the importance of treating individuals on the autism spectrum with respect and dignity.

The Acting Dean of the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Sciences (UPSM), Dr. Abhijit Gogoi, said that autism is a developmental condition known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He emphasized that ASD affects individuals differently, influencing how they think, process information, and interact with their surroundings.

While some may experience challenges with social interactions and communication, others may exhibit repetitive behaviors, intense interests, and sensory sensitivities, such as heightened reactions to sounds, lights, or textures.

Dr. Gogoi also highlighted the importance of early screening for autism, as early intervention significantly enhances a child’s ability to develop social, educational, and communication skills.

He urged parents, educators, and medical professionals to recognize the early signs of autism and seek appropriate support for affected children.