The University of the South Pacific is currently facing a staff strike while Fiji National University (FNU) finds itself in a different controversy involving a law lecturer accused of bullying and verbal harassment of students. Numerous law students have voiced their concerns about the lecturer’s behavior since the semester began, but they claim that the university has not taken sufficient action.
Complaints have been submitted to multiple university officials, which include the head of the law school, Ana Rokomokoti, the FNU registrar, human resources department, and vice-chancellor Professor Unaisi Baba. Students allege that the lecturer has particularly targeted female students.
A parent of one student, who requested anonymity, expressed frustration and concern over the impact of the lecturer’s conduct on his daughter, saying it has led to her feeling depressed and reluctant to attend classes. The parent recounted an incident where the lecturer publicly questioned his daughter’s capabilities and financial situation in a disrespectful manner.
In response to these troubling allegations, FNU has reiterated its dedication to ensuring a fair and transparent process for students reporting issues with lecturers. The university emphasized that it has established policies and procedures in place to handle grievances effectively. They stated that a majority of complaints that go through the appropriate channels are resolved satisfactorily.
This situation highlights the importance of addressing grievances within academic settings and ensuring a supportive environment for all students. It is hopeful to see FNU’s commitment to taking these allegations seriously and maintaining protocols that protect students’ rights. Moving forward, it will be crucial for the university to act decisively to address the concerns raised and maintain trust within the student body.
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