The University of Fiji
Issue 2 May 2019
INSIDE THIS EDITION • Unifiji April Graduation Entering New Era as People’s University • Chancellor Praised UniFiji during The University of Fiji is entering into a Accounting, is an esteemed Accounting Graduation new era as ‘A People’s University’. It is scholar with numerous publications • Second PhD graduate for UniFiji on the edge of a significant leap forward to his name. Two of the recent ones • Science Student Scoops Vice- in its academic and intellectual life. The being ‘Climate change accounting: Chancellor’s Medal governance of the University is in the The challenge of uncertainty in hands of prominent academics who aim Pacific Islands, International Journal • Passion to Study Language to take the institution forward in realising of Critical Accounting,’ Volume 9, • UniFiji a Vibrant University- Ali its full potential as a University. (2017) and ‘Networks in knowledge- • Family Support and Competitive The Acting intensive industry: the case of a regional Mindset Motivation for Success- Sharma Vice- accountants’ network, Journal of • UniFiji bids Farewell to Former Chancellor, Accounting and Organisational Change,’ Registrar Professor Volume 10, (2014). He was instrumental Subramani, • New Registrar Appointed in getting the Certified Practicing is a • JDP School of Law Holds First BEMA distinguished Accountants Australia’s (CPA) and of the Year writer and Chartered Accountants Australia and New • UniFiji Alumnus Appointed First educator. Zealand (CA ANZ) accreditations for the Secretary at Fijian High Commission in After taking Bachelor of Commerce programme at PNG on the UniFiji. leadership of the University in March • Vetting of Year 9 English Syllabus/Text 2019, he has outlined a program for Professor Book taking the institution to another level. Tupeni Baba, • World Language Day Celebrations First securing the future of the University Professor in • Milestone Achievement for the through the establishment of Endowment Education Education Department Funds that will support initiatives like and Dean for School of Graduate Studies, a University School of • UniFiji Science Students Plant 1000 Hospital, Institute of Hindi language Mangrove Seeds and Cultural Studies (to complement Humanities • UPSM & HS Students Advocate on the work of Centre for iTaukei Studies). and Arts Personal Hygiene Second, locating the University firmly (SoHA), • Youth Development Workshop in surrounding communities, attending is a renowned academic and former to their scientific and technological political leader. He has been a Foreign • IT Services Ticketing System needs, directing research in these Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in • Ministry of Education’s Careers Expo communities, offering a second chance his political career. Professor Baba has to those missed out on higher education. been a Consultant in areas of Research, UPCOMING EVENTS Within the University, greater collegiality and interdisciplinary studies are being Evaluation, Pacific Education and Pacific encouraged through the proposed School Development and has a varied range of of Science and Cross-Cultural Studies. publications with the most recent one There is a long-term vision of making being ‘Na Vuku ni Vanua: Wisdom of the The University of Fiji the intellectual and Land’ (2014). cultural centre of the west. Professor Shaista Professor Shameen, the Ruvendra Dean of Justice Nandan, Devendra Dean of the Pathik School School of of Law (JDP Business and SoL), is a strong Economics legal advocate (SoBE) and of holistic Professor in development 1 Issue 2 May 2019
of student life. She was previously UniFiji April Graduation the Director of Fiji Human Rights Commission. Professor Shameem has the International Relations and Diplomacy (INR) programmes under her school and recently added PhD programmes in Law and International Relations and Diplomacy for JDP SoL. She is a Fellow of Royal Society of Arts (London). Professor Shameem has successfully completed her Doctorate in Juridical Science from Waikato University.
Professor Anirudh Singh, Dean of the School of Science Professor Subramani (middle) with Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Anil Tikaram (First from right), Professor Shaista and technology Shameem (second from right), Professor Tupeni Baba (First from left), Ms. Shirley Prasad (third from left) and council members, at the graduation ceremony. (SoST), is the Professor in The University of Fiji celebrated its first virtue, goodness, and human happiness graduation of the year on March 29, have come under a great deal of strain in Physics and 2019. 229 students graduated in various recent times. Programme disciplines including Commerce, Science, The search for truth has been the perennial Coordinator of the Masters in Renewable Law, International Relations and Medical goal of universities, both in the sciences Energy Management. He is widely field. and humanities, ever since ‘a community published, his recent publications being The following was the Acting We want to of teachers and scholars’ ‘Talking Renewables – A renewable energy Vice-Chancellor, Professor begin with the was first conceived in the primer for everyone (2018)’. Professor Subramani’s remarks during issue of greatest middle ages in the West. the graduation: Well before that it echoed Singh comes with a wealth of knowledge as importance: in educational institutions a researcher and teacher of science. “In recent weeks, the University the matter of in Asia and Africa. The of Fiji has experienced a rare collective wisdom Professor breath of new life. Therefore, value of truth resonates because any Frederick I want to begin this address by with new urgency in today’s institution without Merchant, Dean expressing our honest gratitude world inundated, as it is, clear vision and of Umanand to the University Council and by untruths, half truths and concepts leads a alternative facts. The latter Prasad School the Arya Pratinidhi Sabah blind life. part of the Founder’s words of Medicine and who have placed, what looks like, unconditional trust in the – acting on the dictates of Health Science academic community of this institution. virtue and making others good and happy (UPSM&HS), This has given opportunity to unfolding – has lost its meaning for homo sapiens. has a long and of many possibilities. And it is now our Not only universities but also modern widely recognized responsibility to explain how we intend education in general has closed its mind Science- to translate that goodwill gesture into real to such noble ideas and thoughts. In their Pharmaceutical-Surgical career. He joined ideals and practices. short-sighted devotion to vocational and technical goals, to accelerate short-term UPSM & HS in its inaugural year, 2009, We want to begin with the issue of greatest economic development, schools and as Professor of Surgery and Anatomy. He importance: the matter of collective colleges have lost their way. They confuse wisdom because any institution without brings with him vast surgical experience. training with education. Universities are clear vision and concepts leads a blind He has Fellowships in Surgical Oncology not just transmitters but also creators life. We take strength from the fact that and Blunt/Penetrating Trauma and of knowledge. Of course, we can go The University of Fiji is the only Peoples’ producing technicians and middle level Cardiovascular Surgery combined with University, the crowning achievement of managers; at the same time we should Research and Clinical Teaching. He has investment in education by the workers have strategies in the system to resist all many scientific publications as well as and farmers of this country. Furthermore forms of dehumanization or making us articles in creative writing under his name. we have drawn inspiration from the less than what we are meant to be. The With a line of well qualified and broadly words of the noble Founder of the Sabah Sabha is absolutely right in emphasizing who says, “He is good and wise who experienced Deans, and with the Acting the need to evolve a society where always speaks the truth, and acts on the Vice-Chancellor Professor Subramani’s everyone is literate. We interpret literacy dictate of virtue, and makes others good leadership, The University of Fiji is ready broadly, that is, not merely as the ability and happy.” His words are more relevant to read and write; that is the minimum for a significant leap forward as the nation’s today than ever before because truth, premier Higher education institution. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 2 3 Issue 2 May 2019
requirement. Medical School must succeed and continue imaginative programs, and our universities Literacy has cultural, humanist and spiritual to evolve and thrive in new fields like either mistakenly or arrogantly believe dimensions that argue for education of the medical research. their work is ‘academic’ and not cultivating complete person. After the initial phase of borrowing and emotional or spiritual intelligence. At The University of Fiji we have planted the In order to give force to these ideals and duplicating, trying to learn from others, we seeds through a couple of international associated practices we have adopted the are poised to ask the unavoidable question: seminars on human values; we have plans principle of shared governance for The ‘What is it that The University of Fiji can do for workshops for our staff because moral University of Fiji. We have appointed that other institutions have either neglected, rehabilitation must begin with ourselves. some of the best scholars and educators as ignored or are unable to offer’. One thing no The individual human being is the active Deans of the university. Whether through one can replicate is our location. Established agent of change and emancipation. We the workings of destiny or mere chance, between two townships we have all the want our collegial life to be steeped in they have gravitated to this university at advantages to become the educational, values of compassion, care and love-words a critical time. They are individuals who cultural and intellectual centre of the West. that modern academia has erased out of its understand facing adversity and building First, we will become more firmly rooted in educational agenda. But they are precisely resilience; they stood up as leaders during the communities around us by responding the values that preserve and enhance life, the most turbulent period of the country’s to their scientific and technical needs. The and produce noble deeds and great culture. history, and at this difficult and challenging university must assume responsibility hour at this institution, they have stepped for their socio-cultural progress. By thus Language is central to our cultural forward from safe academic life to assume defining ourselves as community-related enterprise, especially vernacular language. responsibility of the governance of this that the university will be less of a middle We have the only Institute of iTaukei university. class enterprise. No doubt there are multiple studies in the country, which is gradually challenges, of taking care of the cultural realizing its potential, and soon it will be Professor Tupeni Baba is Dean of School of and linguistic well-being of our people, complemented by the Institute of Hindi Humanities and Arts; Professor Frederick enlarging their choices, empowering them Language and Culture. These two institutes Merchant Dean of Umanand Prasad School and enriching their life. We will radically are entrusted with the responsibility of of Medicine & Health Sciences; Professor transform ourselves in the process as the resisting any further erosion of our local Shaista Shameem Dean of Devendra educational and cultural centre reinforced languages. They are integral part of the Pathik School of Law; Professor Ruvendra by increasing public spaces on the consciousness of this institution. Nandan Dean of School of Business and campus, holding international conferences, Economics; and Professor Anirudh Singh This morning we are awarding the second important seminars, seminal public lectures, Dean of School of Science and Technology. doctoral degree. We have conceptualized a readings and arts festivals. We have had Graduate School that will prepare scholars Although belonging to different academic very productive dialogue with the student and professionals who will take up elite disciplines, they share common belief in body that conceptualizes quality in an positions in our country. We will approach the autonomy of the institution, in safe- enlightened way, refusing to see themselves the University Council and the Arya guarding truth, and aspiring for what is as customers and clients: they are primarily Pratinidhi Subha to establish an Endowment good and virtuous beyond self-interest. university students. It is gratifying to know Board with membership drawn from here They know that we cannot continue to call they are engaged in developing a robust and the Fijian Diaspora to support such ourselves ‘a young university in transition’; campus life through clubs and various initiatives. we must maintain we have, in fact, arrived. collectives. They too are defenders of the You would have noticed this morning’s Together with senior colleagues they broad vision of the university. are now forging strategies to negotiate address is not about our woes; we have Our statement on values education is not the university through conflicting, and plenty of that and we can make a long list. just empty rhetoric. In a world of rising sometimes contradictory, demands of the This address is definitely not about setbacks hate and supremacist agendas, education Higher Education Commission, the nation and afflictions. Let me say there is a lot in values become not just our priority state, stakeholders, benchmark laid out of goodwill here, and things are looking but should be the burning concern of all by international academic community, bright: our student numbers and finances educational institutions. We ourselves and expectations of students and parents are relatively stable and what is most have been close to the point of breaking bringing all these to terms without wavering heartening, there is now a spirit of optimism up as a plural society; we do not want to from the fundamentals of what it means to in the university community, and that alone go there again. As interpreter of the future, be a university is an enormous undertaking, can overcome many of our troubles. which means being a few steps ahead, the which is like redesigning the institution. It I have turned to another facility unique to university must know what are the greatest is a responsibility we have to accept with this university-the Tagore Centre – to find threats facing humanity in the rest of this fortitude. words to support that growing optimism. century; they are the mayhem on the The poet-philosopher, who initiated They will review in particular the many internet, biotech and infotech revolutions an extraordinary experiment in higher dilemmas faced by the Medical School, and and the uncertain future of work, new education, Rabindranath Tagore, composed expand support for it through a network tribalism and unfriendly, even hostile, the following lines: of ‘friends of UPSM & HS’ in Fiji and the attitude towards people who are different. diaspora. The School is gaining the power of The new university of the 21st century must rehabilitation and recovery, to use medical reinvent or become irrelevant. If we look Where the mind is without fear metaphors. We know that born out of the at our school curriculum, it is already too and the head is held high, noble dream of a Fijian philanthropist, the cluttered; there is no room for original and CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 2 3 Issue 2 May 2019
where knowledge is free. “The University must Where the world has not been broken up assume responsibility into fragments by narrow domestic walls. for their socio-cultural progress. Thus by Where words come from the depth of truth, defining ourselves as Where tireless striving stretches its arms community-related, toward perfection. the University will be Where the clear stream of reason has not less of a middle class lost its way enterprise. into the dreary desert sand of dead habit. “We will radically Where the mind is led forward by thee transform ourselves into ever widening thought and action. in the process as In to that heaven of freedom, my father, the educational and cultural centre LET MY COUNTRY AWAKE! reinforced by The lines capture most elegantly our theme The Chancellor, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau garlanded during the graduation increasing public of truth, freedom, and awakened intellect. ceremony. spaces on the campus, We urge those who are graduating this holding international morning to hold these words close to your “These new graduates add up to 3000 plus conferences, important heart; they will motivate you to find a point students who have successfully graduated seminars, seminal public lectures, readings of view to help define who you are as a since 2008. It is pleasing to note that and arts festivals. increased enrolment over the years has person and fill you with infinite joy in that “We have had very productive dialogue discovery.” seen more students graduating, thus adding value to the existing UniFiji alumni.” with the student body that conceptualises quality in an enlightened way, refusing to He said the University took much pride see themselves as customers and clients. Chancellor Praised in the recent developments that have been They are primarily University students.” accomplished. UniFiji during Further to his comment, the Chancellor Reiterating these comments, University’s elaborated that UniFiji has numerous Graduation Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor collaborations with international bodies Subramani said they had adopted the to advance research in the field of climate The University of Fiji continues to principle of shared governance for The change. Some of the bodies include China contribute heavily to the local and University of Fiji. Ocean Development Foundation, World international workforce by churning out Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Pacific graduates in fields ranging from medicine “We have appointed some of the best Island Development Forum (PIDF), Ocean to climate change. scholars and educators as deans of the University,” he said. Policy Research Institute Japan, University In late March, 229 students graduated of South Florida and the Ocean Foundation with diplomas, degrees, masters and even “Whether through the workings of destiny among others. He gave the example of the a doctorate during the University’s March or mere chance, they have gravitated to this School of Science and Technology which graduation ceremony. So far, over 3000 University at a critical time. continues its commitment in carrying out students have graduated from the University “They are individuals who understand activities, programmes and research to since 2008. This has garnered praise from facing adversity and building resilience, create more awareness of climate change in the University’s Chancellor, Ratu Epeli they stood up as leaders during the most the general public. Nailatikau, who commended the increasing turbulent period of the country’s history, and “Some of the key research areas include number of admissions to the school. at this difficult and challenging hour at this marine spatial planning, ocean acidification, “This year student numbers have increased institution, they have stepped forward from blue economy, climigration, renewable to 2626,” he said. safe academic life to assume responsibility energy, forecasting and modelling and of the governance of this University.” ocean science and governance,” he noted. “This means that the University’s catch phrase of “For Quality Affordable Professor Subramani also highlighted the Education, It Must Be UniFiji” is catching benefit of location. He concluded by stating that the on. This speaks volumes of the University’s He said with the campus established international collaborations gave UniFiji accessibility to students from diverse between two townships, the University global exposure. cultures and backgrounds. had all the advantages to become the “This graduation will witness more than 200 educational, cultural and intellectual centre students graduating in various programmes. of the Western Division. The enormous contribution of the families “First, we will become more firmly rooted to be the success of their children is in the communities around us by responding applauded. This is an investment not only to their scientific and technical needs. for the family but also for the nation.
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Second PhD graduate for UniFiji
She carried out a discussion with her then They said despite all the sacrifices, their supervisor, Dr. Jyoti Nandan, to read more mother always had time about the writer and her novels. for them and had taught them to be resilient and adaptable. Unfortunately, her supervisor left for Australia and Ms. Naiker was left to “It is quite astounding to us that she was complete her thesis on her own. able to complete a transition from Science Despite this, she soldiered on, buoyed by to Arts, through completing Diploma, the support of her family and friends. Bachelor of Arts, and Masters and PhD “With Professor Subramani on board, I degrees, all while having two children and enrolled in Semester 2, 2018, polished my holding down full-time teaching jobs to thesis under his guidance and submitted it which she devoted significant attention for examination. The positive results from given her passion for Education. And yet the examiners elated me, my family and we don’t remember a moment when she friends. A dream come true, a vision of my didn’t have time for us,” they said. parents! A feather added to my cap with my A total of 229 students graduated in various Doctoral certificate!” disciplines including Commerce, Science, Dr. (Ms.) Kamala Naiker. Her children Neelam and Mithran were Law, International Relations and Medical field. KAMALA Naiker awarded PhD in equally thrilled with their mother’s Literature achievement.
The pioneer Masters student who graduated Science Student Scoops Vice-Chancellor’s Medal from The University of Fiji in 2009 has Chemistry. Ms. been an important figure in the school as Goundar was also the Head of Department for Language, named the Most Literature and Communication. Outstanding In Late March, she graduated from the Student for University again, this time with a doctorate, the School of earning a Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Science and in English Studies. Technology. She said her journey was captivating. The eldest of two “I had an enthusiasm to study further to children, began complete PhD studies in English,” she said. her University “Zestfully, in Semester 1, 2010, I registered journey in 2016. in this programme. While researching in 2010, in the middle of this search, I Nikhilta Gounder (middle) with proud parents Mr. Samantham Gounder and Ms. She said that accidentally discovered a novel with a Muni Latchmi Gounder. despite being a top startling title Wife (1975) by Bharati student during her Mukherjee, which immediately pulled For many students, receiving their hard Secondary School my attention. The blurb on this fiction earned diplomas and degrees after years of years, her external results were consistently indicated that my search for an author grueling studies can be intensely gratifying. not up to par to her expectations. She said that she needed to prove her caliber to that I could study for my dissertation was It is not just the students who feel elated, people. Bharati Mukherjee. It saved me from but their parents, also; often have to doing any further search for an acclaimed make sacrifices in order to put their international author. Mukherjee was my “I have proved myself to people and made children through school, feel a sense of my parents proud. The four medals are choice to investigate the subject of women accomplishment. in their homeland and abroad. Her novels proof of this,” she stated. explore the ways in which women deal with Nikhilta Nirvani Goundar, who graduated Ms Goundar said that she wanted to pursue the pain of exile, alienation and isolation. with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring a career in Science as she did not want to be Conversely, this text approach matters in Biology and Chemistry got recognised as stuck at a desk job. Instead she wanted to relating to the liberation of women from the the top student out of the 229 graduands. travel around, explore and learn new things oppressive social order of patriarchy and each day. the traumatic experience of immigration, The Lautoka lass was presented with the matters of identity and agency within an Vice-Chancellor’s Award. She intends to pursue her postgraduate overarching patriarchal and alienating studies in Biology and Chemistry in the The 22-year old was also awarded the world,” she stated. near future. Most Outstanding Student in Biology and CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 4 5 Issue 2 May 2019
Passion to Study Language and Culture Student medal. reporter for Fiji Sun based in the North as well in Suva. While working for Fiji Originally from Baleyaganiga, Sun, I lost my biological father who was Vaturova in the Cakaudrove province, a heart disease patient. Life was not easy Ms. Tabucala’s journey began five years as I was always his pet. This incident too ago when she moved from Labasa to has encouraged me to continue my studies Makoi with her school teacher husband accompanied by the guidance of my who was transferred to Suva. husband,” she added. The mother-of-two, a daughter aged She said this was a milestone achievement four and a son aged four months, found for her family and being named an it difficult to adjust in the big city. outstanding student was a surprise. “My husband, who was teaching Vosa “When we travelled to Lautoka to attend Vakaviti back then, was posted to a the rehearsal, my husband kept insisting to prominent school in Viti Levu so we check my GPA. I got a feeling he knew I had no choice but to move, as a family Ms. Emele Tabucala, all smiles after receiving her degree. deserved to get a special award. When my too,” she said. name was called out, I was speechless and All thanks to the Lord Almighty. “While my husband was teaching, I also I could not stop my tears rolling. These had chance to read his text books based on were tears of joy after all the hard work and This was the message of Emele culture and language in iTaukei. Thus one sacrifice my family and I had to go through Cakosawaieke Tabucala, 33, after she day, we talked and agreed that I should in order to attain that medal,” she said. graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring continue with my studies, not in journalism She plans to complete her graduate diploma in English Language and Literature and but in language since my favourite subject in teaching at The University of Fiji next iTaukei Studies. was English back in high school,” she said. semester before continuing her postgraduate In addition to this, Ms. Tabucala was “Through my English mark in 2005, I was studies. awarded the Outstanding iTaukei Language able to work as a junior news and sports UniFiji a Vibrant University- Ali achieve his dreams and much more. that needs to be taught face to face and having lecturers who have mastered their “I always wanted to become a lawyer. art in the real world, meant that we were Studying at UniFiji, I was always taught with practical examples,” he not only taught to be a competent lawyer, commented. I was developed holistically. The JDP Adding to this point, he said that the law School of Law taught us law not only by programme was well structured and once using conventional methods, we were one started, he/she would learn more and also able to learn by means of plays, more each day. weekly seminars hosted by various individuals, and much more,” he stated. Mr. Ali has just completed his Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the University Mr. Ali further explained that the and plans to work as a civil lawyer, in the lecturers were of high calibre and much Sharukh Ali with his Bachelor of Law degree. future or to follow an academic path. He more came with a wealth of knowledge. The University of Fiji is a vibrant University, was among 229 students who graduated in said an elated Bachelor of Law graduate, “The lecturers at the School came with a various disciplines from The University of Sharukh Ali. The 26 year old said that by wealth of knowledge having previously Fiji on March 29, 2019. studying at the University, he was able to worked in the field. Law is something
Family Support and Competitive when it comes to studies,” he Mindset Motivation for Success- said. Sharma Talking about Recipient of the Master of Information his journey, Technology Medal, Mr. Neeraj Sharma, Mr. Sharma stated says that support from his parents and that he was not the having a competitive mindset steered him brightest in primary towards success. and high school but when he joined “Seeing my parents happy and their The University continuous support and encouragement of Fiji everything kept motivating me to go even further. changed. Mr. Neeraj Sharma (second from left) with other Masters of IT graduate Also, having a competitive mindset helps and UniFiji staff. “I got enrolled in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 6 7 Issue 2 May 2019
Bachelors of Information Technology Elaborating on his point, Mr. Sharma said “This will have a good impact on a person programme in 2012 and graduated in that studying Information Technology at with children. Seeing their parents study 2015, where I received an award for Most UniFiji was particularly exceptional will also motivate them and will allow them Outstanding Student in IT. This motivated to have a healthy mindset when it comes to because of the intense course content in me to further my studies even more as studies in the future,” he mentioned. conjunction with thesis which helped him I found IT easier and easier as the level publish various papers. Mr. Sharma is currently vying for a progressed. I completed the Postgraduate scholarship for his PhD programme. Diploma in IT within two years and after its He advises students that are doing Masters graduation and award, I took up the Masters should motivate their family and friends by thesis programme,” he explained. and encourage them to study as well.
UniFiji bids Farewell to Former Registrar
The University of Fiji bid farewell speaking at various events and occasions to Ambassador Kamlesh Arya on organized in the communities, talking to December 12, 2018. He was the school students and teachers about the Registrar of the University since University and much more. Ambassador 2012. Arya was especially liked by all staff and students for his warm greetings and humble Ambassador Arya, in his 6 years at personality. the University, made tremendous impact on staff and students life. The University thanks Ambassador Arya He worked tirelessly to forward the for his services, dedication and support University’s goals. Ambassador Arya over the last 6 years and wishes him well was actively involved in community for his future endeavours. engagement projects including Ambassador Kamlesh Arya. New Registrar Appointed and graduation. Ms Mani managed want to introduce and implement for taking the Student Disability Unit, Student this University to new heights,” Ms. Mani Campus Life Unit, University commented. Student Sports, Health/welfare and Residential life Unit and the Originally from Lautoka, Ms. Mani had Student Career Services Unit. She always wanted to work amidst her own also served in many committees community and being a part of UniFiji and developed policies and family has provided her this opportunity.
practices for student services Welcome to The University of Fiji, Ms. management. Karishma Mani! Ms. Mani holds degrees from The University of the South JDP School of Law Holds Pacific in Masters in Commerce (Management and Public First BEMA of the Year Administration) and Bachelor in Banking & Finance and The Justice Devendra Pathik School of Management. The wealth of Law held its fits BEMA event of the year on knowledge and experience she has Friday, April 5, 2019 with Professor George gained in her 8 years of working Edwards as the keynote speaker. The Registrar, Ms. Karishma Mani. at a tertiary institute is a huge Ms. Karishma Mani joined The University advantage to UniFiji. Excited Professor Edwards highlighted on the of Fiji as the Registrar on February 11, with her new role, she said that her major importance of the ‘right to appropriate 2019. goals include transition to the new Student food’ as a state obligation pursuant to the Management System and strengthen a international (UN) conventions, especially Ms. Mani started her higher education student centric culture. the International Covenant on Social, professional career in student services in Economic and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) the Office of Registrar at the Fiji National “I am extremely excited with my new role that Fiji ratified in 2018. at The University of Fiji,” she said. University in 2010 and worked her way up. Her last position was as Assistant Registrar “I look forward to working closely with the Assisted by celebrity award winning Chef where she administered all student related students, my team, the academics and other Robert Oliver, Professor Edwards told a matters, including registration, orientation stakeholders. I have a list of things that I packed Lecture CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 6 7 Issue 2 May 2019
Theatre at Samabula Campus, with VBC of food that should be available to alleviate and healthy foods that could easily be to Saweni Campus, that it was the state’s diseases currently facing the Pacific Island grown in Fiji. legal responsibility to provide its citizens communities. He said that the Pacific was not only with adequate food, but also a natural home for healthy, fresh food but The JDP School of Law would be holding appropriate food that would alleviate the people had been hoodwinked into thinking more Bema sessions in the near future. epidemic levels of NCDs faced by Fiji and imported food was other Pacific island countries. better than local food. Contributing to the discussion was Fiji Higher Education Commission’s Dr. Another contributor, Nikhat Shameem who said that the legal Mr. Kini Keteca, obligation should be included in Fijian Senior Lecturer at the schools’ educational curriculum because JDP School of Law, bad habits regarding inappropriate foods made a strong point were set early in childhood and were hard to that young people eradicate when people reached adulthood. should be taught to garden and plant Robert Oliver added that the medium food from a very Professor George Edwards with JDP School of Law staff and students. of television was also very important young age as part to ensure that both adults and children of their educational received the right message about the types curriculum in order to appreciate the fresh Vetting of Year 9 English Syllabus/Text Book UniFiji Alumnus Appointed First Secretary at Fijian The Department of Language, Literature High Commission in PNG and Communication of The University of Fiji played a fundamental role in vetting horizon and I was able to understand Year 9 English Syllabus and Text Books. the role of being a Diplomat and the Dr. Kamala Naiker, Ms. Manpreet Kaur and requirements it entailed. Now I am a Mr. Salesh Kumar were part of the 2 Day Diplomat in a Foreign Country and workgroup meeting for English facilitators representing Fiji at the World Stage,” he at Natabua High School on May 30-31, stated. 2018. He commented that he would recommend studying INR to people The then Senior Education Officer English from all works of life including mature at Curriculum Advisory Services, Ministry students who are already in the Foreign of Education, Ms. Roshni Devi extended Service but do not have qualifications the invite to the trio to be part of the in INR and young students who have vetting process. HOD LLC, Dr. Naiker Mr. Paulo Daurewa during his graduation in 2018. a passion in Foreign Affairs and World was elated to significantly contribute to the Politics. vetting process. Ms. Kaur stated that: ‘The The University of Fiji alumnus, Mr. Paulo Year 9 English Syllabus and Text Book are “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Daurewa was recently appointed the First undergoing major reforms and the LLC many Multinational Organisations are now Secretary at the Fiji High Commission in Department’s input and suggestions as key seeking employees who have qualifications Papua New Guinea (PNG). Mr. Daurewa stakeholders and language providers are in INR. Foreign Service Officers have graduated with top honours bagging a gold welcoming’. Mr. Kumar was also part of the opportunity to work at the Ministry medal in the graduation class of 2017 in a similar 2 Day workgroup meeting in the of Foreign Affairs and with overseas International Relations and Diplomacy Central Division as well. (INRD), in the JDP School of Law. organisations that help them understand different cultures, languages and the Dr. Naiker and Ms. Kaur suggested the team Mr. Daurewa, with a background in atmosphere of working in a foreign country. to make the curriculum user friendly and at engineering and teaching, joined UniFiji The family also has the opportunity to meet the same time impressed upon three key with the goal to join the Foreign Services new friends and develop a network that is components to be included in the vetting of either locally or abroad. global. Kids attend International Schools, the syllabus and that is: relevance, quality Talking about his experience at the enjoy benefits of being part of a Diplomat’s and appropriateness of the curriculum. University, Mr. Daurewa complemented family, travel the world and experience a This appointment further saw LLC the lecturers saying that they were very whole new life away from home,” he said. professional and informative with over 30 academics contribution in the writing of the Mr. Daurewa hopes return to UniFiji one years of experience in the field. English curriculum. One of Dr. Naiker’s day and teach INR to aspiring new students creative pieces titled Please Let Me Speak “Courses were both academic and practical who have a passion for international in nature where the lecturers allowed us featured in the Year 9 English Textbook relations. Mr. Daurewa is now a PhD for study purpose at this level. The Senior to engage with students from Samabula student in the INRD programme Campus. Studying at UniFiji expanded my CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 8 9 Issue 2 May 2019
Education Officer, English Section, Ms. Roshni Devi approached the duo to submit their poems and short stories for the Year 9 Textbook. Please Let Me Speak Kamala Lakshmi Naiker
Please let me speak today I fear The sweetness of yours words
Let me speak today My hands reached to cause you pain Ms. Manpreet Kaur, Ms. Kamala Naiker and Mr. Salesh Kumar vetting the syllabus. Please forgive me. and artists were exhibited in the University The LLC Department thanked the former My hands tortured you foyer. Colourful posters illustrated the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor But you never protested myriad aspects of language and the poems Narendra Reddy and former Dean of School Never for a minute and short stories on display attested to the of Humanities and Arts, Ms. Prathika Please let me speak. versatility of the faculty and students with Gounder for supporting the initiative of the the written word. Department to observe this significant day You were fulfilling your responsibility and to showcase appropriate displays. I was blinded by my revenge Language week recognized the important Giving way to hatred role that languages played in all areas of The University is grateful to its dynamic Please forgive me. life. It celebrated the diversity that multi- Head, Dr. Kamala Naiker for her foresight, linguism gave to the people of a multi- vision and energy in recognizing the need Please let me speak ethnic nation like Fiji. to celebrate such occasions. The efforts of The guilt will remain the staff, under-graduate and post-graduate If I do not speak today Dr. Kamala Naiker, Head of the Language, students are also acknowledged for their The guilt will remain with me forever Literature and Communications (LLC) creative contributions. Please let me speak, Please forgive me. Department and the progenitor of this event at the World Language Day University said, “The Celebrations art of communication is the language of The University of Fiji celebrated World leadership. Language Language Day on Thursday, February 28 is the greatest and Friday, March 1, 2019. communication in the world.” The staff and students’ talents as writers LLC Staff and Students with their displays in the foyer.
Milestone Achievement for the Education Department It was a memorial occasion for the education The Head of Education Department, this stage. The student will address the department when Professor Tupeni Baba Associate Professor, Dr. Wahab Ali was minor changes and will graduate with a handed over the two examiners’ reports of elated to receive such good examiners’ Doctor of Education degree in December, the EdD Thesis of Nilesh Anish Narayan. reports from the Dean of the School of 2019. Both the reports were overwhelmingly Humanities and Arts, good and the examiners were pleased with Professor Tupeni the standard of the thesis presentation. Baba.
One of the examiners commended Nilesh and Associate Professor ordained the thesis as a novel presentation Dr. Wahab Ali was the of fresher insights while the other saw the Privncipal Supervisor thesis as worthy of publication because of while Professor its uniqueness. The topic of Nilesh’s thesis Tupeni Baba was the was “A Mixed Methods Investigation of the Associate Supervisor. Factors Impacting Teaching and Learning Nilesh is the first of Mathematics in Secondary Schools”. EdD student to have Dr. Wahab Ali (left) receiving the examiners’ report of the PhD thesis from successfully reached Professor Tupeni Baba.
8 9 Issue 2 May 2019
UniFiji Science Students Plant 1000 Mangrove Seeds in the biodiversity and conservation course Mr. Setareki Nanuloilagi, who is the forester were accompanied by extension at Ministry of Forestry, West, the teaching staff of helped provide the mangrove seedlings The University of Fiji and also accompanied the students at the to plant mangroves to site. His team demonstrated how to plant help raise awareness mangrove seedlings to the students. about environmental issues. The University of Fiji has been consistent with its efforts to make a difference in the “We planted community through its various community mangroves to outreach programmes. One such effort was Students planting mangroves at Saweni Beach. preserve the natural SoST hosting monthly seminar sessions environment and in the lead-up to COP23 in Germany. The University of Fiji’s School of Science habitat for marine species. Mangroves Mangrove planting activity has also been and Technology (SoST) students in do not only provide livelihood to coastal carried out by the Science Department collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry communities, it also prevents coastal in previous years to help rehabilitate and planted 1000 mangrove seeds at Saweni erosion, abrasion, and helps in combating regenerate coastal habitats. Beach on Monday, March 11, 2019. This the effects of global climate change. It is was done to commemorate “World Earth one of the most threatened ecosystems Therefore the students who took part got Day” and help the Ministry achieve its goal in the world which needs to be protected an opportunity to interact and engage in to plant 4 million trees in 4 years. conservation methods which they can due to its ecological and economical later practice in their own homes and A Total of 26 second year students enrolled importance,” said Ms. Zafia Naaz of the School of Science and Technology. communities.
UPSM & HS Students Advocate Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and through dance. Health Sciences’ students, led by Dr. Bijend Creative ways to impart knowledge on on Personal Hygiene Ram and Dr. Sakiusa Mainwalala, as part health is at the core of the community of their community health studies at the University. outreach programme, Hence, UPSM & HS carries out community held a session with outreach programmes as such on a regular students of Maigania basis. Last year, students were involved in Muslim Primary various activities such as free community School. health screenings, clean-up campaigns, blood drives, and visiting communities and The session focused on advocating about certain health issues and the importance of hand much more. washing followed by a demonstration on More programmes have been set out by the the correct method School for the coming year. of hand washing Dr. Bijend Ram (middle) with UPSM & HS students at Maigania Muslim School. Youth Development offered at The University of Fiji and where and leadership skills,” Ms. Prasad said. the graduands were after graduating. She “Last year, the University hosted the Workshop mentioned that apart from academic Commonwealth Youth Forum and we are learning, they involved the students in The Marketing and Public Relations proud that we bring such exposure to the Officer, Ms. Shirley Prasad attended the other events, workshops, research and Ministry of Youths and Sports Workshop conferences to broaden held and Tanoa International Hotel on their horizon. Friday, 8 February. “Whenever we have The workshop was attended by any public engagement approximately 48 stakeholders based in such as workshops, the Western division to discuss youth open days or seminars, development. The theme of the workshop we allow our students was ‘Strengthening partnerships in youth to take the lead. Some and sports development’. The Chief Guest help in preparation, was Mr. Jone Nemani, Permanent Secretary while some actively for Ministry of Youth and Sports. take part on the day. Ms. Shirley Prasad (sitting row, first from left) with other participants at the This builds public workshop. Ms. Prasad presented on the programmes speaking, analytical CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 10 11 Issue 2 May 2019
youth in the western division,” Ms. Prasad call or email the ITS. An ITS personnel will features. added. log into the system and assign the request When asked what next plan in line was, to the officer responsible. The system will She requested the representatives from the the Manager of Information Technology create a priority level (low, medium, high department Mr. Joel Anjaiya said that they Ministries and other partners present to and emergency) of the request/issue. assist the students in sports development as are now concentrating on online room the University did not have enough facilities The issuer of the request will then get an booking system. email from the ITS Ticketing System to run the minor sports. “All these systems are open source software stating that a ticket has been created on his/ and implementing them did not involve Through this workshop, there are her behalf. This is an auto generated email any cost to the University. The software is possibilities of partnerships with Fiji from the system once the request is logged. Tennis, the Australian Government and the modified and implemented in-house by my Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty The system will then keep on notifying the team,” Mr. Anjaiya said. ITS officer through email that the ticket is Alleviation, Western Branch. Mr. Anjaiya worked as the University’s due. The interval of the ticket notification Systems Administrator for over 2 years A workshop of this nature was good as it will depend on the priority level assigned. and he later joined again as Manager IT brought new ideas and collaborations. The Progress reports will be sent to the person Services from January, 2019. outcome of the workshop will be collated to whom the ticket is issued for. The system by the Ministry to be included in the 2019- will notify in a separate email once the The team strives to serve the University 2020 Operational plans. issue has been resolved or request has been community through its mission statement fulfilled. “Creating Value through Technology!” IT Services Ticketing System Maintaining Systems Documentation has always been a challenge for the The IT Services Department (ITS) at The IT Services Department University of Fiji has implemented IT therefore in order to Service Ticketing software to assist the overcome this challenge, the department in providing better service to team has implemented an staff and students. This software helps the online system for maintaining team to properly record user requests/issues documentations of internal and to make sure that the requests/issues systems. The online system are attended to on time by the assigned IT maintains the documentation officer. in a structured and From Left: Mr. Avin Prasad, Mr. Arjun Pillay, Manager IT- Mr. Joel Anjaiya, If a staff or student faces any IT related issues organised manner Mr. John Eastgate, Mr. Emosi Fong and Ms. Manaini Rokotuivuna. or needs to make a request, they will have to with advance search
Ministry of Education’s The theme for this year was “No child to student recruitment spectrum, it also acted be left behind”. as a means of community engagement. Careers Expo The Expo was organized with the intention At the Expo, Year 12 and 13 students were Various teams from The University of Fiji of effectively contributing and supporting advised on the University’s programmes, its participated in the Careers Expo throughout government’s desire to leverage the strategic intent and why they should choose the country as part of building its community education system and workforce and to UniFiji. Other students, including Primary relations. The expo was organized by the promote Pillar 9 of the Charter for Change, School students, were given career advises Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts. Peace and Progress in making Fiji a such as what subjects they needed to take in knowledge based order to get into a certain programme. society by reaching out and creating Professor Anirudh Singh, Dean of the more awareness in School of Science and Technology, was the rural and maritime Chief Guest for the Ministry of Education’s areas that greatly Careers Expo at Tilak High School, on April need information 5, 2019.The Careers Expo at Tilak High and services around School was attended by all Lautoka and the country. Nadi Secondary Schools. Some primary schools were also a part of the expo. As envisioned in the Strategic Plan The Expos were successful in transmitting 2017-2021, the expo the information to potential students and the not only acted as a University intends to partake similar events First row, from left: Professor Anirudh Singh, Professor Tupeni Baba, Ms. Shirley strategy to broaden in the future. Prasad with other stakeholders at the Careers Expo at Tilak High School. the University’s
CONTINUED PAGE 12 10 11 Issue 2 May 2019 29 29th April, 2019 - Graduation 29th April, 2019 - Graduation AVC – Message Hindi Translation AVC – Message iTaukei Translation 229 29 Sa mai liwava na Yunivesiti ni Viti edua na cagi tokavuki ni veisau 29 vou ena macawa e vica da sa mai vakanadakuya. Au sa mai cavuta 229 kina edua na vosa ni vakavinavinaka cecekia vei ratou na lewe ni 229 Council kei na Arya Pratinidhi ena nodratou veivakabauti ki na tabana ni vuli (academic community) me ratou sa cicivaka sara vakavinaka na veika vakavulici ena Yunivesiti qo. Oqo sa dua na gaunisala ka rawati kina eso na cavuisausau vakavuli ka se bera ni rawati eliu. Sa noda itavi kina me da na cakacaka vata me rawa ni vakavotukanataki kina na veika oqori. E gadreva me da tekivu sara mada ena veika bibi taudua: oya na veisoqoni kece ni vuku-yalomatua (wisdom); na vuna oya ni kevaka edua na koronivuli ni veivakarautaki e sega ni vakarautaka tu edua na ituvatuva matata ni nona tatadra (Vision), e sa na rawa ni vakatauvatataki kei na dua e lako mataboko voli. Edua na ka me vakaukauwataki keda tiko, oya ni na Yunivesiti ni Viti e koronivuli vakarautaki me nodra na lewe ni vanua. Ni a tauyavutaki ena nodra cakacaka vagumatua na tamata cakacaka kei ira na dauteitei ni vanua o Viti. E veivakauqeti na nona vosa na Turaga tauyavutaka na koronivuli o Sabah ni kaya. “E tamata dina ka yalomatua o koya ka dauvosataka na dina ia, okoya sa itovo vakaturaga ka dau caka vinaka ka mamarau vei ira kece sara” Na mala ni vosa qo erui bibi meda vakananuma ena gauna nikua baleta ni sa vaka me yali yani ena nikua na Dina, Yalo vakaKalou, Caka vinaka kei na Vakacegu. Mai na ivakatekivu ni gauna vou ni tokavuki ni veisau e Urope, (Middle Ages), sa inaki tudei tu ni veiYunivesiti e vuravura, me ra vakasaqara na Dina ena veitabana ni vuli vakasainisi (sciences) kei na tabana vakavuli (humanities). Ni se bera na gauna oya, a vakasaqarai talega na Dina qo ena vanua vaka Esia kei Aferika. Na bibi kei na talei ni “Dina” qo e sa kuruseti vakalevu cake tale ena buturara ni vuli e vuravura nikua baleta ni sa levu talega na veika e sega ni dina se vakatikina ga e vakaturi me kena isosomi. Na veika vakaturaga ka Dina e sa vaka me sa sega ni vakabibitaki ena buturara ni vuli nikua vei ira na kawatamata. Ena vuku ni nodra rai vakatawayalomatua ka rai vakalekaleka sa vaka me ra yali yani vei ira na Dina kei na yavu ni bula vaKalou, ni ra sa vakabibitaka na veicakacaka ka vakavurea vakalevu na bulavakailavo ni tamata. E sa sega talega ni matata na ibalebale ni veivakavulici (education) kei na vuli (training). Na Yunivesiti e sega walega ni dua na vanua e vakarautaki kina na tamata mera dau buli-ka ka kila-ka, era vakarautaki talega kina na tamata me ra idewadewa ni kila-ka oya. Sa dina sara ni rawa ni ra buli ka tuberi ena univesiti eso me ra dau ni bulibuli se mera kena dau ni vakavinakataki veimisimi, se eso tale mera veiliutaki ka me ra manidia ni veikabani. Ia, sa dodonu me da dabe ka raica lesu na kena vakatavulici na veitovo e vakarokorokotaki kina na kawatamata kei nai naki taumada a buli kina. Sa dodonu kina na nona vosa o Sabha ni sa dodonu me kila-ka kece na tamata. Na kila-ka (se literate) ni tamata e sega ni baleta walega na wilivola kei na volavola e umani talega kina na itovo vakavanua, vakayago, kei na vakayalo me qai taucoko kina edua na tamata. Ena kena vakavotukanataki na veituvatuva qo sa mai taurivaki kina edua na lawa buli vou me sa da na Taukena vata na lewa ni kena cicivaki na Yunivesiti ni Viti. Era sa mai digitaki kina eso na iliuliu vinaka ka ra vakoroi ena vuku cecere me ra liutaka (Deans)
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