As protests at the University of the South Pacific (USP) continue and exams for students approach, concerns are growing about the potential impact on the student body.
In an interview with Fiji One News, Krishnil Ram, the Acting President of the Association for the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS), confirmed that the ongoing strike by professors and tutors has led to the postponement of lectures for some courses.
Final-year Environment Management student Josaia Lacanivalu emphasized the significance of their participation in the strike to urge for an expedient resolution so that classes can resume before exams commence. “All we want is for a resolution to be achieved so that our teachers can return to the classroom because exams are approaching. We need revision sessions, and if our lecturers are unavailable due to the strike, that will not be possible,” he stated.
Lacanivalu also acknowledged the reasons behind the staff’s decision to strike, but called upon the chair of the USP Students Association to ensure that decisions are made transparently. “While we support our teachers’ reasons for striking, we also need to see changes from the USP Students Association. Transparency is crucial; students should be informed before any decisions are made because the association is meant to serve us, not themselves,” he added.
Ram noted that despite the impact of the strikes on students, faculty members are doing their utmost to limit disruptions. “Some staff members participating in the strike discreetly return to teach some students because they genuinely care about their education. We are striking not just for ourselves but also for the future leaders who will follow in our footsteps at this university,” he explained.
With over 150 USP staff members currently on strike, there is optimism as the first round of negotiations began today aimed at achieving a resolution.