The University of Fiji is taking significant strides towards an innovative future with its 2025 vision, which centers around unique academic programs focused on iTaukei culture. This initiative aims to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of the iTaukei people through the university’s Centre for iTaukei Studies (CIS), the only dedicated center of its kind in Fiji.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem emphasized the importance of the CIS in providing specialized education that keeps indigenous knowledge at the forefront of 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 specifically for iTaukei studies—which encompasses culture, language, performance, art, and craft,” she stated.
In a groundbreaking initiative, the university plans to extend its educational offerings to Levuka by appointing traditional chiefs as adjunct professors. This step is particularly significant for the Lomaiviti people, who stand to gain firsthand knowledge from their elders about their cultural traditions, language, and history.
In addition to cultural education, the University of Fiji is making noteworthy advancements in science and technology, with plans to focus on emerging fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology. Professor Shameem highlighted the critical nature of these subjects, stating, “It’s extremely important to understand artificial intelligence, its limits, its function in society, and its risks.”
The university’s commitment to student well-being and future success is evident in its aim to introduce new and innovative programs that differentiate it from other institutions. “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,” she remarked.
Overall, the University of Fiji’s vision for 2025 is not only focused on distinct academic offerings but also aims at preserving cultural heritage and advancing technological education, thereby setting a new standard for higher education in the region.
This initiative represents a positive step towards enriching both academic and cultural landscapes in Fiji, fostering an environment where traditional knowledge and modern innovation can coexist and thrive.
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