Students from the University of the South Pacific participated in a significant march yesterday, advocating for a revision of teaching methods. They expressed concerns that many courses are taught by consultants rather than qualified lecturers.
Reports indicate that the protest led to the dismissal of Dr. Tamara Osborne Naikatini.
Among the participants was Semesa Nawasoni, President of the Yasana ko Ba Student Association, who highlighted that the strike arose from unaddressed grievances, claiming that the USP Student Association frequently makes decisions without consulting the student body.
“The protest was initiated because many students feel their opinions are ignored, particularly regarding their instructors,” Nawasoni stated.
He urged the university management to employ professional educators and emphasized the necessity for students’ concerns to be taken seriously.
“We simply want qualified teaching professionals to fulfill their roles and for our complaints to be acknowledged,” he added.
From the perspective of the I-Taukei Student Association, President Manasa Navara remarked that he is unaware of any breakdown in communication, asserting that he has relayed all student grievances directed to him.
“We have maintained strict channels of communication, so I am uncertain where the disconnect occurred. I believe I have done everything possible to ensure that all issues brought to my attention are communicated to the relevant authorities,” Navara stated.
Sources have confirmed that the student-led protest will continue until a satisfactory decision is reached by the USP Student Association, one that will benefit both students and staff.
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