Students at the University of the South Pacific staged a significant protest yesterday, calling for reforms in teaching methods. They contend that many courses are being led by consultants rather than qualified instructors.
Reports indicate that this demonstration led to the dismissal of Dr. Tamara Osborne Naikatini.
Semesa Nawasoni, President of the Yasana ko Ba Student Association, stated that the protest arose from students’ grievances being overlooked by the USP Students Association, with many decisions taken without proper consultation with the student body.
“The protest was triggered by a sense among students that their concerns regarding teaching staff are not being acknowledged,” Nawasoni said.
He urged the university’s management to assign qualified teaching professionals to deliver courses and emphasized the importance of considering student voices.
“All we seek is the rightful placement of teaching professionals and for our issues to be taken seriously,” he added.
From the perspective of student leadership, Manasa Navara, President of the University’s I-Taukei Student Association, mentioned he is not aware of any communication breakdown, asserting that he has relayed all student grievances to the appropriate channels.
“We have been diligent in maintaining communication, and I’m unsure where the disconnect has occurred. I believe I have done all I can to ensure students’ concerns are addressed,” Navara stated.
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 benefits both students and staff.
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