The University of Fiji is embarking on an ambitious and forward-thinking agenda for 2025, with a particular focus on developing unique iTaukei academic programs. This initiative aims to preserve and celebrate the rich iTaukei culture, with the university’s Centre for iTaukei Studies (CIS) being the only dedicated center of its kind in Fiji.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem has emphasized the center’s critical role in providing specialized education in iTaukei culture, ensuring that indigenous knowledge remains integral to the academic landscape. She stated, “Our Centre for iTaukei Studies is unique because it’s the only one in Fiji. We’re the only university that offers a dedicated center specifically for iTaukei studies—that means culture, language, performance, art, and craft.”
In a groundbreaking initiative, the university plans to extend the center’s educational outreach to Levuka, where traditional chiefs will be appointed as adjunct professors. According to Professor Shameem, this development will be particularly beneficial for the people of Lomaiviti, allowing local elders to impart their knowledge of traditional culture, language, performance, and history to the community.
On another front, the University of Fiji is also making notable advancements in science and technology education, particularly in emerging fields like robotics. Professor Shameem reiterated the university’s focus on contemporary topics, stating, “We are concentrating very much on things that are topical at this moment in time… It’s extremely important to understand artificial intelligence, its limits, its function in society, and its risks.”
She assured that the university is deeply committed to the well-being and success of its students, stating, “Everything that the University of Fiji will be doing in 2025 will be new and innovative. We will not be repeating anything that any of the other institutions will be doing. We believe that to be future-ready, the University of Fiji has to be ahead of the game.”
The University of Fiji’s vision for 2025 is centered around distinctive academic offerings, cultural preservation, and technological innovation, positioning it as a trailblazer in higher education within Fiji and beyond.
Summary: The University of Fiji is set to enhance its academic offerings by introducing unique iTaukei programs and expanding its Centre for iTaukei Studies. This initiative will include appointing traditional chiefs as adjunct professors in Levuka to preserve indigenous culture. Additionally, the university aims to strengthen its science and technology curriculum with a focus on robotics and AI, affirming its commitment to student success and innovation in education.
This strategic approach not only ensures the preservation of indigenous culture but also prepares students for a rapidly evolving global landscape, creating a sense of optimism for the future of education in Fiji.
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