The University of Fiji is taking significant steps toward an innovative future by focusing on distinctive iTaukei academic programs geared for the 2025 academic year. This initiative is part of the university’s dedication to preserving and celebrating the iTaukei culture, with its Centre for iTaukei Studies (CIS) being the only specialized facility of its kind in the country.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem emphasized the importance of this center in safeguarding indigenous knowledge within academic discussions. “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 that is specifically for iTaukei studies—that encompasses culture, language, performance, art, and craft,” she stated.
In an exciting development, the university plans to extend the center’s educational outreach to Levuka, which will involve appointing traditional chiefs as adjunct professors. This initiative aims to provide the community with direct access to their elders, who will impart knowledge regarding various aspects of their culture, language, performance, and history.
Alongside these cultural advancements, the University is also making strides in the fields of science and technology. The focus will be on cutting-edge topics such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology. “We are concentrating very much on things that are topical at this moment in time,” noted Professor Shameem, stressing the importance of understanding the societal impacts and risks of these technologies.
Professor Shameem highlighted the university’s commitment to innovation, stating, “Everything that the University of Fiji will be doing in 2025 will be new and innovative. We believe that to be future-ready, the University of Fiji has to be ahead of the game.”
With its ambitious vision for 2025, the University of Fiji is set to establish a standard for higher education that blends cultural heritage with modern technological advancements, reflecting a promising future for the institution and its students.
This new direction not only enhances educational opportunities but also fosters a sense of community and cultural pride, paving the way for a holistic academic experience that benefits all involved.
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