The University of Fiji had the honour of hosting Dr. Michael Horowitz, Dean of Atenisi Institute, Tonga, during his two day visit to the Saweni Campus this week. Dr. Horowitz, whose role as Dean is equivalent to Vice-Chancellor, engaged with University leadership and held discussions with staff and students.
University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem warmly welcomed Dr. Horowitz acknowledging that the purpose of his visit was to explore areas of collaboration between Atenisi and the University of Fiji.
These areas of collaboration will focus on shared academic values, the internationalization of Pacific higher education, and the critical role universities play in shaping socially responsible graduates.
‘Atenisi’s education is founded on freedom of thought and intellect. It’s students are taught to critique all types of dogma. The University of Fiji has at its own foundation the aim to be the critic and conscience of society and a human value think tank for the public good. It was inevitable that such like-minded higher education institutions, in neighboring countries, would reach out to each other in the spirit of partnership, particularly during times of uncertainty’, Professor Shameem said.
She said the University was impressed with the depth of Atenisi’s curriculum based on philosophies, both ancient and modern, as well as science, art, humanities, law, languages and performance. Atenisi’s students were deeply thoughtful, inquisitive in knowledge and of practical mind at the same time, the Vice Chancellor said. The University looked forward to staff and students exchanges with Atenisi, and for scholarly joint publications in interdisciplinary studies.
In the meeting, Dr. Horowitz highlighted the intellectual strengths of smaller Pacific institutions, stressing that academic quality is measured not by student numbers but by creative, well-researched scholarship. He also spoke about the need for universities to cultivate conscience, critical judgment, and global awareness in their graduates’ values which he believes are essential to addressing the pressing challenges of the 21st century.
Reflecting on his experience at UniFiji, Dr. Horowitz expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality and enriching exchange of ideas.
“This partnership is not about who is large or small; it is about intellectual clout. Both Atenisi and UniFiji have much to contribute through rigorous scholarship and by nurturing values that guide graduates beyond their academic years.”
He further noted that student and faculty exchanges could significantly strengthen internationalisation, broadening perspectives and enriching interdisciplinary scholarship across the Pacific.
The University of Fiji looks forward to building on this dialogue to explore joint research initiatives, student exchanges, and academic collaborations with Atenisi Institute, ensuring both institutions continue to serve as vital centres of learning and thought leadership in the Pacific.
Dr. Horowitz also added that the future of higher education in the Pacific depends on producing environmentally conscious graduates willing to make sacrifices for the planet’s wellbeing.
He further endorsed UniFiji’s vision of expanding the humanities and social sciences, noting that literature, philosophy, history, and related disciplines are essential for developing well-rounded graduates even those pursuing science and technical fields.
