Students at the University of the South Pacific participated in a large protest yesterday, calling for reforms in teaching methods. They expressed concerns that many courses are being taught by consultants instead of qualified professional lecturers.
Reports indicate that this demonstration led to the dismissal of Dr. Tamara Osborne Naikatini. Semesa Nawasoni, the President of the Yasana ko Ba Student Association, stated that the strike was partly due to unresolved grievances, claiming that major decisions are often made without consulting students.
“The protest emerged from the feeling among students that their opinions are not being considered, particularly regarding their educators,” Nawasoni explained. He urged the university management to appoint qualified teaching professionals and emphasized the importance of acknowledging student voices.
Manasa Navara, President of the I-Taukei Student Association, expressed surprise at the apparent communication breakdown, asserting that he has consistently relayed student grievances to the appropriate authorities. “We have been diligent in our communication process, and I’m uncertain where it went wrong. I believe I have done everything possible to ensure students’ issues are addressed,” he said.
Meanwhile, sources suggest that the student-led protest will continue until the USP Student Association arrives at a decision that will benefit both students and staff.
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