The University of Fiji proudly marked a significant milestone with the soft opening of its Suva Central expansion, an extension of the Samabula Campus, creating an accessible, vibrant academic hub in the heart of the city.
The new facility includes teaching spaces for key programs, a modern art gallery, and an innovative Enlightenment Shop designed to bring education and creativity closer to the community.
The ceremony featured Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem, who delivered an inspiring keynote address that set the tone for the evening. She reflected on the historical significance of the building by highlighting its rich legacy of women’s empowerment, community education, and social progress in Suva.
Professor Shameem explained that the University’s Suva Central expansion was driven by the urgent need for additional space as student numbers continue to rise.
“This new Suva Central site gives us the opportunity to grow while remaining connected to the heart of Suva,” she added.
The Suva Central extension will host several new academic spaces. It will include postgraduate programs and Year 6 MBBS classes, placed close to CWM Hospital to support clinical learning.
Journalism and Media studies students will also benefit from the location, as it is near Parliament, government buildings, and major news areas. The University Art Gallery will move from Samabula campus to Suva Central to gain more public visibility.
The site will also offer new community spaces. A Book and Enlightenment Shop will provide books, merchandise, and useful resources for students and visitors.
The highlight of the evening was the address by Chief Guest Dr. Erica Myers Davis, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), Manufactures and Commerce (Board Director, Oceania RSA). She praised the University of Fiji for its bold, community-focused vision and emphasized the global importance of Pacific-led innovation.
Dr. Erica also introduced the establishment of the Oceania Centre for Advanced Thinking and Renaissance, supported through a philanthropic initiative. The centre will be located at Suva Central and will focus on innovation, culture, creativity, and Pacific-led thought leadership.
“This is not just a centre. It is an invitation to imagine what a Pacific Renaissance could look like, rooted in history, culture, and our collective courage to create new futures,” she said.
She reflected on the building’s former life as a home for women’s movements and expressed that the university’s expansion feels like a continuation of that legacy.
“The women who built this place pushed boundaries, debated, organized, and quietly got things done. Their spirit remains in these walls,” she said.
The Pro-Chancellor Pandit Bhuwan Dutt of ‘Arya Ratna’ said:
“It is truly a momentous occasion to witness the expansion of the Suva campus. This extension will accommodate more students and programs like Year 6 MBBS, journalism, and the art gallery. Since its founding in 2004, the University of Fiji has grown through dedication, careful planning, and strong community support. I urge everyone—staff, students, and the public, to continue supporting the university, so it can thrive, stay true to its values, and provide quality education for generations to come.”
The University of Fiji thanks its Council, the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, its staff, alumni, partners, and the people of Fiji for their continued support. Together, Suva Central will become a centre of learning, creativity, and community engagement for generations to come.
