Students at the University of the South Pacific gathered in large numbers yesterday to protest for changes in their teaching methods, arguing that many courses are taught by consultants instead of qualified lecturers.
Reports indicate that this demonstration led to the dismissal of Dr. Tamara Osborne Naikatini.
Among the protesters was Semesa Nawasoni, President of the Yasana ko Ba Student Association, who expressed that the strike stemmed from grievances that had not been addressed by the USP Students Association. He noted that many decisions were made without proper consultation with the student body.
“The protest was initiated because many students feel their voices are not being heard, especially regarding their teaching staff,” Nawasoni stated. He urged the university’s management to appoint qualified teaching professionals and emphasized the importance of listening to student concerns.
“All we want is for qualified teaching professionals to be placed in their roles and for our grievances to be taken seriously,” he added.
From the I-Taukei Student Association’s perspective, President Manasa Navara mentioned that he was unaware of any communication breakdown. He affirmed that he has actively relayed student grievances to the relevant authorities, asserting that he has been diligent in ensuring all student concerns reach the administration.
“I believe I have done everything possible to ensure that grievances are communicated to Federal,” Navara said.
Meanwhile, sources have indicated that the student-led protest is likely to continue until the USP Students Association arrives at a decision that addresses the concerns of both students and staff.
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