News & Blog - The University of Fiji

Oct 09

Eseta Yavuvata Named Winner During World College Radio Day 2026

University of Fiji JMS Student Celebrates Recognition Through Vox Populi

Suva, Fiji: Second-year Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) student Eseta Yavuvata of the University of Fiji has been recognised as a winner during World College Radio Day 2026, following her participation through the University’s campus radio station, Vox Populi.

Yavuvata said the recognition was both exciting and rewarding, describing the achievement as an acknowledgement of the effort she had put into participating in campus radio.
“It feels really exciting and rewarding to be recognised as a winner during World College Radio Day 2026,” Yavuvata said.
She said the experience had motivated her to continue developing her skills in both radio and journalism.

Yavuvata’s interest in journalism and her desire to gain practical radio experience were among the key factors that motivated her to participate in the World College Radio Day activities. She said she wanted to challenge herself, learn something new and become part of an international college radio event.

Through her involvement with Vox Populi, Yavuvata said she developed greater confidence in communication and teamwork. She also gained practical experience in speaking, interacting with people and sharing information with an audience.

“Most importantly, it gave me practical experience that I can use in my future career in journalism,” she said.

Yavuvata encouraged other students to take advantage of opportunities offered through campus radio and to step outside their comfort zones. She said Vox Populi provides students with a platform to build confidence, strengthen communication skills and gain practical experience in radio and journalism. The recognition formed part of Vox Populi’s participation in World College Radio Day 2026, which brought together college radio stations and student broadcasters in a celebration of campus radio.

As part of the recognition, a gift was presented to Yavuvata by Assistant Registrar Ms. Nikhat, on behalf of the University of Fiji.

The achievement highlights the role of Vox Populi – A Community Broadcast Service by the University of Fiji in providing students with practical opportunities to develop their communication, broadcasting and journalism skills beyond the classroom.
For Yavuvata, the experience is not only a personal achievement but also an encouragement to continue learning, participating and contributing to the University’s campus radio community.

Oct 07

Pre-COP31 Event Highlights Ocean Protection as Climate Action

Protecting and restoring the Pacific Ocean must be treated as a critical part of the region’s response to the climate crisis, students and climate experts heard at a pre-COP31 event at The University of Fiji’s Saweni Campus on October 6.

The OCEAN-CLIMATE NEXUS Storytelling: Pre-COP Community Event brought climate science, international law and the experiences of Pacific children into the same conversation as regional attention turns towards COP31.

The event was jointly hosted by The University of Fiji, the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF), Asia Pacific Regulatory Centre (APRC), Minderoo Foundation and Artesano Productions. It featured the launch of Voices of Pacific Children, a screening of the internationally acclaimed documentary OCEAN with David Attenborough and an expert Ocean Talks discussion.

The University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said the event reinforced the importance of ensuring Pacific experiences and perspectives remained part of international discussions on climate change.

“For Pacific communities, climate change is not an abstract issue. Its impacts are being experienced through our oceans, livelihoods and communities, and young people will inherit many of the consequences of the decisions being made today,” Professor Shameem said.

“Universities have an important role in bringing together young people, researchers, communities and regional partners to examine these challenges from different perspectives. By combining youth voices, scientific knowledge and developments in international law, events such as this can help strengthen the Pacific’s contribution to finding practical responses to the climate crisis.”

The event placed particular emphasis on the experiences of Pacific children and young people, recognising that they will live with many of the long-term consequences of climate change and decisions being made today.

The launch of Voices of the Pacific Children provided one such platform. Published by the Asia Pacific Regulatory Centre, the book uses stories, poetry and artwork to present the climate experiences and perspectives of young Pacific people and draws attention to the links between ocean health, community wellbeing and the future of the region.

Students from Gurukul Primary School, Pandit Vishnu Deo Memorial College and The University of Fiji took part in the event.

PIDF Secretary General Ms Arpana Pratap said Pacific climate discussions could not be separated from the realities facing communities across the region.

“While Pacific leaders gather in Tuvalu ahead of COP31, it is equally important that the climate conversation is grounded in the realities of Pacific communities. Events like this bring those realities to the forefront, through lived experience, Pacific voices and collective action,” Ms Pratap said.

“For the Pacific, the ocean is not simply part of our environment; it is fundamental to who we are, how we live and how we sustain our communities. As climate change places increasing pressure on our ocean, it also places our food security, livelihoods, cultures and future at risk,” she said.

The connection between ocean health and climate action was further explored through the screening of OCEAN with David Attenborough, supported by Australian-based Artesano Productions and the Minderoo Foundation.

The documentary highlighted the ocean’s role as a major regulator of the global climate, including its capacity to absorb excess heat and carbon emissions, while showing how marine ecosystems can recover when areas are adequately protected.

Its central message reinforced the wider discussion at the event, that a healthy ocean is not separate from climate action but fundamental to successful climate mitigation and adaptation.

The legal dimensions of climate change and ocean protection were also examined during the Ocean Talks session.

Head of Corporate Services, Mr Seve Paeniu from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at The University of Fiji discussed developments in ocean governance, including the Advisory Opinion by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

“The Advisory Opinion concludes that anthropogenic carbon emissions constitute marine pollution under UNCLOS. This is a landmark decision with wide implications for linking climate change to oceans, and highlights the importance of developing practical solutions to counter the effects of climate change on the oceans and their rich biodiversity,” Mr Paeniu said.

The event was held as Pacific countries prepare for further international climate negotiations ahead of COP31, with participants stressing that ocean protection, youth perspectives and Pacific experiences must remain part of the global climate agenda.

Oct 02

APPLICATION FOR COMPLETION OF PROGRAMME – DECEMBER, 2026 GRADUATION

Dear Students

Greetings from the Office of the Registrar!

Kindly note that the Application for Completion of Programme is now CLOSED for December, 2026 Graduation. The application deadline was 25 September, 2026, and applications received after this date will not be accepted.

Applicants with outstanding dues must ensure that all outstanding amounts are fully cleared by 20 November, 2026. Students with outstanding fees are required to contact the Finance Office at arfinance@unifiji.ac.fj

Note: Students who fail to settle their outstanding dues by 20 November, 2026 will not be eligible to graduate on 4 December, 2026. In such cases, students will be required to re-apply for the next graduation ceremony.

For further information, please contact the Examinations Office on exams@unifiji.ac.fj

Please find the attached Flyer for the Application for Completion of Programme.

Kind Regards

Office of the Registrar

Oct 01

VOX POPULI TAKES ‘HOPE’ TO THE AIRWAVES FOR WORLD COLLEGE RADIO DAY 2026

The University of Fiji’s campus radio station, Vox Populi, is set to join hundreds of college radio stations around the world in celebrating World College Radio Day 2026 with a 72-hour live radio marathon under the theme “HOPE – Always in the Air!”
The celebration brings together students, staff and listeners through live broadcasting, entertainment, conversations and interactive programmes, while highlighting the continuing role of radio in connecting communities and providing trusted information.
At the University of Fiji’s Suva Central Campus, preparations for the international celebration have been led by Vox Populi Station Manager Mr Lawrence Singh, with staff and students coming together to support the marathon.
Mr Singh said this year’s theme reflects the important role radio can continue to play when other forms of communication may not always be available or reliable.
“Hope – Always in the Air means that our listeners can always rely on radio communication when all other modes of communication fail,” Mr Singh said.
“Vox was initially born to be just that back in 2021 when Fiji was in the midst of the pandemic and we have remained steadfast in our commitment,’’
Vox Populi will participate in the global celebration through its 72-hour live radio marathon, bringing together programming and activities aimed at engaging its audience.
Mr Singh said the station was grateful for the support of the University of Fiji and Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem, including prizes for listeners and competitions to be conducted during the marathon.
He said the event would also feature content dedicated as a tribute to the late Dolly Parton.
The marathon will also provide journalism and media students with practical opportunities to develop their broadcasting skills.
Mr Singh said Vox Populi gives students and staff an opportunity to collaborate and participate in an event that has become part of the station’s annual calendar.
“Vox provides a robust platform for students to learn the dynamics of radio and the best part is that this exposes the University of Fiji and its students on a global scale,” he said.
The University of Fiji Vice Chancellor and Vox Populi Producer Professor Shaista Shameem said the theme represents the University’s hope that students would use the radio service to connect with others while enjoying entertainment.
“For us as a University it means we hope all students enjoy 24-hour radio service as a way to manage stress and connect up with other listeners. And hope they all enjoy the wonderful entertainment,” Professor Shameem said.
She said radio remained a powerful medium for young people and that Vox Populi provided students with a platform for self-expression.
“Radio is a powerful medium that reaches out to millions of people, especially young people, for self-expression, and that is our aim,” she said.
Professor Shameem also highlighted the role of Vox Populi in preparing students for careers in journalism, media and communications.
She said the expertise available through the station can encourage students to consider careers in journalism and multimedia studies, while giving them practical exposure to broadcasting.
“Vox talent, in the form of our station manager, allows students to think about a career in journalism and multimedia studies. There’s no better role model than our Vox experts,” Professor Shameem said.
The station also sees itself as an important link between the University and the wider community.
Professor Shameem described radio as “the big connector” between the University and the wider world, adding that Vox Populi could serve as an influencer for the public good.
Mr Singh said the importance of trusted radio broadcasting had become even more significant in the digital age, where misinformation and disinformation could spread rapidly.
“We are in the digital era where the internet has taken over the whole globe but it cannot always be trusted,” he said.
“Misinformation and disinformation is a challenge for societies where anyone can spread any story lacking authenticity but radio can always be relied upon for correct and trusted information.”
“Hope is always on the radio when it comes to fact checking,” Mr Singh said.
Looking towards the future, Mr Singh said he hoped Vox Populi would develop into a fully fledged community service radio station.
He said plans were underway for FM transmission and expressed confidence that the station could eventually reach listeners across Fiji and the wider region.
Mr Singh also said he envisioned Vox Populi becoming increasingly operated by Journalism students, providing them with a practical platform to apply the skills they develop through their studies.
As World College Radio Day 2026 approaches, Vox Populi is encouraging students, staff and members of the public to participate in the 72-hour celebration and take part in the competitions and programmes.
Professor Shameem urged Vox Populi followers to enjoy the marathon and participate in the activities, while Mr Singh emphasised the continuing importance of radio as a platform for trusted information, education, entertainment and community connection. Under the message
“One Voice. One World. One Radio,” Vox Populi will take its place among college radio stations globally, carrying the message that “Hope is Always in the Air.”

Oct 01

UniFiji Calls for Stronger Protection of Older Persons’ Rights as World Marks International Day of Older Persons

The University of Fiji has called for stronger legal and policy protections for older persons, stressing that longer lives must also mean lives lived with dignity, equality, autonomy and security.

The call comes as the world marks the United Nations International Day of Older Persons on 1 October 2026, under the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”

The University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem, said the ageing global population presents significant human rights challenges that require governments and institutions to rethink how older persons are treated and protected.

“As the world grows older, our laws, institutions and policies must keep pace. Older persons are not simply recipients of care or assistance, they are active rights-holders entitled to dignity, autonomy, equality and a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their lives,” Professor Shameem said.

She said the recognition of older persons’ rights must extend beyond social assistance to include meaningful participation in society and protection under national laws.

In a significant student-led initiative, the University’s Constitutional Law 205 students have drafted a proposed new Constitution for Fiji, titled the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji 2026, which includes provisions promoting and protecting the rights of older persons.

The initiative reflects the importance of recognizing older persons as rights-holders and ensuring that their dignity, equality and protection are embedded within Fiji’s constitutional framework.

While Fiji continues to strengthen its National Ageing Policy, social pensions, free medical schemes and bus fare subsidies, Professor Shameem highlighted the need for further measures to address the challenges facing older persons.

She noted that climate change has compounded these challenges, particularly in the Pacific, where food security, access to clean water, healthcare, economic opportunities and adequate housing remain critical concerns.

Older persons are also increasingly vulnerable to neglect, rising living costs, inadequate pensions and the breakdown of traditional family support structures.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in his message for the International Day of Older Persons 2026, highlighted that the global population aged 60 and over is projected to increase from 1.2 billion to 2.1 billion by 2050, accounting for approximately 20 per cent of the world’s population.

He emphasized that while increased longevity represents a major achievement in improved healthcare and social protection, it also requires governments to rethink policies relating to employment, pensions, housing, healthcare and lifelong learning.

Professor Shameem said older persons must continue to be recognized for their contributions as leaders, caregivers and valued members of families and communities.

She also encouraged younger generations to demonstrate greater respect and appreciation for older persons.

“Our students are urged to respect and give dignity to older persons at home and around the communities they live in,” Professor Shameem said.

The University of Fiji joins the international community in recognizing the contributions of older persons and advocating for stronger protections to ensure that ageing is accompanied by dignity, security and meaningful participation in society.