Fiji’s Naiyaca Campus: A New Era in Education by 2027?

The Fiji National University’s long-awaited Naiyaca Campus in Labasa is once again moving forward, with the goal of welcoming students by 2027. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro confirmed that after several years of delays stemming from legal hurdles and financial issues, the project initiated in 2013 is now in an active phase.

The university is collaborating with the Ministry of Works to finalize the terms for a public tender, which will encompass the design and construction of the first phase of the campus. Radrodro emphasized that once the plans are solidified and cost evaluations are completed, Fiji National University will assess its capital needs, which may include local and international support.

Upon completion, the Naiyaca Campus is set to become a key educational resource for the Northern Division, offering both higher education and technical vocational training options within the same facility. The revised plans have been endorsed by the council, allowing for the integration of technical workshops into the campus infrastructure.

Additionally, Opposition MP Premila Kumar acknowledged the obstacles faced during the project’s development but lauded the foresight of the previous administration in laying the groundwork for this vital initiative.

This $30 million initiative, which began preliminary works in 2014, saw full construction commence in 2018 before halting in 2019 due to structural safety concerns, resulting in a substantial loss. Despite these challenges, the renewed commitment to the project illustrates a determination to create an educational hub that will benefit future generations, reflecting the government’s resilience in focusing on educational advancements for local communities.

The Naiyaca Campus project holds the potential to significantly enhance educational accessibility in the Northern Division, ensuring that students have access to modern learning facilities without the need to travel long distances to other islands for their studies. Optimism surrounds the project as stakeholders remain committed to overcoming previous setbacks and focusing on building a brighter educational landscape for Fiji.