Students from the University of the South Pacific gathered in large numbers yesterday to protest against the current teaching practices, expressing their concerns that many courses are being taught by consultants instead of qualified lecturers.
Reports indicate that the protest led to the dismissal of Dr. Tamara Osborne Naikatini.
Semesa Nawasoni, President of the Yasana ko Ba Student Association, highlighted that part of the protest stemmed from unresolved grievances with the USP Students Association, pointing out that decisions affecting students have often been made without their input.
“The protest arose because students feel their concerns, especially regarding their instructors, are not being acknowledged,” Nawasoni said.
He urged the management at USP to hire qualified professionals to teach the students and emphasized the importance of listening to student voices.
“All we want is for qualified educators to be placed in their roles and for our concerns to be taken seriously,” he added.
From the perspective of the I-Taukei Student Association, President Manasa Navara expressed his lack of awareness regarding any communication breakdown. He stated that he has consistently presented students’ grievances to the appropriate authorities.
“We have maintained a strict communication process, so I am unsure where the disconnect occurred. I believe I have done everything possible to ensure that all concerns are conveyed to the Federal level,” Navara explained.
Meanwhile, sources have confirmed that the student-led protest is set to continue until a satisfactory resolution is reached by the USP Student Association that will benefit both students and faculty.
Leave a comment