Category: News & Events

Nov 11

UniFiji Hosts Landmark Regional Surgical Conference, First-Ever Collaboration Between PISA, RACS and G4 Alliance

The University of Fiji proudly hosted a historic international conference at its Samabula Campus, bringing together the Pacific Islands Surgeons Association (PISA), the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), and the G4 Alliance for the first time ever to advance collaborative surgical development across the Pacific region.

The three-day event marked a major milestone for the Pacific’s health sector, attracting leading surgeons, medical specialists, policymakers, and students from Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands, East Timor, New Zealand, and Australia.

The conference focused on strengthening regional surgical training, improving public health integration, fostering research, and enhancing access to safe surgery, particularly for remote island communities. It also provided a global platform for budding Pacific surgeons to present clinical audits and research projects while encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.

UniFiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem emphasised that hosting this groundbreaking collaboration reinforces the University’s role in shaping the future of healthcare in the Pacific.

“This conference provided an opportunity for the University of Fiji to showcase its expertise alongside colleagues from the region. ‘The papers presented illustrated the complex topics regarding healthcare in the region. While the challenges are myriad in nature and scope, we see that collaboration with other medical personnel at senior level and the Ministry of Health in Fiji, we can find solutions that are appropriate for both Fiji and the wider Pacific’ she said. Professor Shameem said that the University was in the process of determining how to add value to medical research in the region through MOUs and partnerships between the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Science and other universities and medical research institutes in the region.”

President of PISA and Professor of Surgery at The University of Fiji, Professor Ifereimi Waqainabete acknowledged the significance of this partnership and highlighted that this conference is truly a landmark achievement for the Pacific.

“It is the first time that the Pacific Islands Surgeons Association, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the G4 Alliance have collaborated to deliver a unified platform for advancing regional surgical practice. By hosting this historic gathering, the University of Fiji has demonstrated its growing capacity to contribute to surgical training, leadership development and improved access to care across our Pacific Island nations.”

“We are proud that this forum has enabled our surgeons to share innovations, discuss solutions to our shared challenges, and invest in the next generation of Pacific clinicians. The commitment shown here reflects our collective responsibility to ensure safer surgery, stronger systems and a healthier future for all Pacific peoples.”

Dr. Abhijit Gogoi, Associate Professor at the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine & Health Sciences (UPSM & HS), also emphasized on the importance of the event.

“Hosting the PISA–RACS–G4 Alliance was a landmark event for UPSM & HS. It provided our staff and students an exceptional opportunity to engage with eminent regional and international surgical leaders, including the Fijian Minister for Health, Hon. Dr. Antonio Lalabalavu, and WHO WPRO Regional Director, Dr. Saia Piukala. We were especially proud to have Professor Ifereimi Waqainabete Professor of Surgery at UPSM & HS, University of Fiji, and a pioneer of this conference deliver one of the keynote addresses, setting the tone for collaborative regional surgical advancement.

“Exposure to such a high-level forum on global surgery, innovation, and regional collaboration has been invaluable. For our students, it was an inspiring platform to witness academic excellence in action, network with leading surgeons, and understand the broader context of surgery within global health. For our faculty, it reaffirmed our commitment to advancing surgical education, research, and capacity-building in the Pacific. This collaboration exemplifies how UniFiji continues to bridge education, research, and community service in pursuit of better health outcomes for our region.”

This landmark collaboration has set a new benchmark for regional medical cooperation. The University of Fiji looks forward to continuing its role as a hub for global–Pacific partnerships that enhance clinical expertise, strengthen health systems, and inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Public Relations Office

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Nov 11

University of Fiji Signs MOU with University of Canterbury to Strengthen Academic and Research Collaboration in Oceania

The University of Fiji and the University of Canterbury (NZ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote academic and research cooperation between the two institutions.

The agreement, signed on 8 October 2025 by UniFiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem and UC Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey, establishes a framework for collaboration that recognises the shared commitment of both universities to advancing higher education, innovation, and cross-cultural academic exchange.

The ceremony was attended by the Executive Deans of the University of Canterbury, including Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva who is the Pro-Vice Chancellor and Director of the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies at the University of Canterbury. The event also saw the presence of Professor Shameem’s UC Alumni Sociology Masters Class of 1983, Professor Rosemary Du Plessis, Ms Jenny Lee and Ms Joanne Neilson.

Addressing the University of Canterbury Vice Chancellor and Executive Deans, UniFiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said that not only was she a proud Alumni of the University of Canterbury, having graduated with a Master of Arts in 1983, but she also found it significant that, more than 40 years later, she had returned to sign a MOU between her old university and her current one, UniFiji. ‘Having my friends from the Sociology Class of ’83 witness the event was special and served to consolidate the deep-seated connections between the University of Fiji and the University of Canterbury with its historical credentials and top ranking’, she said.

The Vice Chancellor of Canterbury University, Professor Cheryl de la Rey said that under the MOU, the two universities will establish a framework for collaboration in several key areas, including:

  • Exchange of academic materials and resources, Faculty in all areas of knowledge and disciplines, staff, and students;
  • Development of joint research programmes and academic projects of mutual interest;
  • Co-sponsorship of symposia, seminars, and conferences;
  • Cooperation in the development of education and training programmes, with potential for joint degree offerings.

She said that with the shared vision for promoting academic excellence and collaborative learning between the two universities, the academic advancement in the region will be consolidated and enhanced.

The new partnership underscores UniFiji’s ongoing efforts to build international academic linkages that enhance the quality of higher education and research across the Pacific. It also aligns with the University’s Strategic Plan focus on ‘Research and Innovation and Community Engagement’, reinforcing its commitment to developing future-ready graduates equipped for global citizenship.

Public Relations Office

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Oct 17

University of Fiji Academic Receives International Recognition for Educational Leadership

The University of Fiji is proud to announce that Dr. Mohini Devi has been internationally recognised by the Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration and Management (CCEAM) for her outstanding contribution to educational leadership and youth empowerment across the Pacific.

Dr. Devi received the award from Dr. Venesser Fernandes, Chair of the CCEAM Youth Leadership Special Interest Group (SIG) from Monash University, Australia. The presentation was made in recognition of Dr. Devi’s exceptional work with the CCEAM Fiji Chapter, which has successfully elevated Fiji’s voice and visibility in the global education leadership community.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem, commended Dr. Devi for her achievement, describing it as a moment of pride for the entire university community and a reflection of UniFiji’s growing international presence.

Professor Shameem said that in an era where most people are confused about the attributes of true leadership that can take a community or nation forward, to have a University of Fiji female academic recognised internationally for her leadership in higher education was a recognition also of the University of Fiji’s exemplary academic record.

Dr. Devi expressed that the honour represents more than just a personal achievement, it reflects the collective effort of her colleagues, mentors, and communities who share a vision for advancing youth leadership and inclusive education.

“This acknowledgment reflects not only my personal effort but also the collective commitment of colleagues, mentors, and communities who share a common vision for advancing youth leadership across the Commonwealth,” she said.

“It reinforces that whether we are working in policy, educational leadership, or academic research, we all contribute to a larger mission which is building education systems that prepare our young people not only for employment but for engaged, ethical, and compassionate citizenship.”

Through her involvement with the CCEAM Fiji Chapter, Dr. Devi has coordinated several youth leadership initiatives, including International Youth Leadership Seminars, CCEAM Youth Leadership Symposiums, and Essay Competitions for emerging youth leaders. Her work has also focused on mentoring young people to lead community-based projects that address major issues such as food insecurity, climate change, and peacebuilding.

“Food insecurity, climate change, and peace are deeply associated challenges that greatly impact the lives and futures of young people in Fiji and across the Pacific,” Dr. Devi said.

“Empowering them to engage with these issues means investing in a future where Pacific communities are resilient, equitable, and hopeful.”

Dr. Devi emphasised that this international recognition highlights Fiji’s leadership in championing youth-focused educational reform and ethical leadership development across the Commonwealth.

She also noted the vital partnership between The University of Fiji and international organisations like CCEAM, which together can build stronger global networks that nurture innovation, resilience, and inclusivity among young leaders.

“The University of Fiji provides a vital local context by offering culturally relevant education, research expertise, and community connections that ensure leadership programmes are grounded in the realities of Fijian youth,” she explained.

She highlighted that international partners like CCEAM bring broader resources, global networks, and opportunities for capacity building and by working together, we can foster youth leadership that benefits Fiji, the Pacific, and the wider world.

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Oct 14

FINAL EXAMINATION TIMETABLE – SEMESTER 2, 2025

Dear All

Greetings from the Office of the Registrar!

Please find attached the Semester 2, 2025 Final Examination Timetable. Refer to the link below to access the Examination Timetable for Semester 2, 2025: https://www.unifiji.ac.fj/exam-timetable/

For any queries please contact the Examinations Office via email: exams@unifiji.ac.fj

Wish you all the best in your Final Examination.

Kind Regards

Office of the Registrar

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Sep 29

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji and the University of Fiji Strengthen Maritime Capacity Ahead of IMO World Maritime Day 2025

Port Denarau, Fiji – 18 September 2025 – Captain Cook Cruises Fiji (CCC) and the University of Fiji come together to mark the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2025 World Maritime Day theme: “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”

The joint efforts build on the GSTC2025 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference held in Fiji and coincide with the IMO’s new Regional Presence Office in Suva, which will drive capacity development and skills-building on maritime safety and environmental standards, and advance the Pacific’s blue economy, a sector closely tied to cruise and marine tourism.

As part of the initiative, students, faculty, and the Vice-Chancellor toured CCC’s vessel Fiji One, learning from experts about the full range of maritime and marine science skills, training, certifications & experiences required to operate in the industry in line with IMO regulations, both nationally and globally. This was followed by conference-style discussions on board with CCC’s multidisciplinary team highlighting CCC’s platforms for capacity development and skills-building.

Allison Haworth West, Executive Director of Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, said “with our long history pioneering marine science and sustainability tourism in Fiji, Captain Cook Cruises provides in-field classrooms for marine sciences and maritime training, serving as a floating classroom and a platform for IMO sea-time training and underwater marine research. Operating daily Island and Reef, plus Sunset Sailings, CCC is not just a tourism operator but a hub for maritime, marine science, and eco-tourism capacity building”.

In marking World Maritime Day 2025, this academic–industry partnership demonstrates opportunities for multi-disciplinary training and hands-on capacity building at sea, including work directly with coral reefs, addressing the multiple threats identified under UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem said the offer of partnership from Captain Cook Cruises to join them on sustainable missions to restore coral reefs, provide students with a floating marine science laboratory, as well as cadetships in marine biology and to assist the company with ecotourism projects was more than the University had ever dreamed about. The University had moved it’s curriculum towards practicals and attachments from year 1 in as many programmes as possible so that students would be work ready when they joined the workforce after graduating.

Professor Shameem said the opportunity provided by Captain Cook Cruises was much appreciated by the University as it added value to the University’s science work in support of SGS 14, Life Below Water, in partnership with scientists and environmentalists working on Captain Cook vessels.

She said the students will have the chance to work with these scientists and experts to help replant coral gardens, research the extent of threats to our coral reefs and help with other regenerative oceans work on behalf of planet earth.

Professor Shameem said the University was working on the idea of developing a marine park and the partnership with Captain Cook Cruises would accelerate that initiative a lot more.

The MOU between the University and Captain Cook Cruises is being developed and will be signed as soon as a suitable date is found.

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