Students from the University of the South Pacific organized a significant march yesterday, advocating for changes in their teaching methods. They expressed concerns that many courses are being 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, the President of the Yasana ko Ba Student Association, who highlighted that the strike was partially due to the students’ grievances being overlooked by the USP Students Association. He noted that many decisions affecting the student body were made without adequate consultation.
“The protest arose because students feel their voices aren’t being heard, particularly regarding their teaching staff,” Nawasoni stated.
He urged the management of USP to prioritize hiring professional educators and reiterated the necessity for student concerns to be addressed seriously.
“Our demand is simply for qualified teaching professionals to be assigned appropriately and for our concerns to be acknowledged,” he explained.
From the perspective of the I-Taukei Student Association, President Manasa Navara mentioned he was unaware of any communication breakdown, as he believed he had effectively relayed all student grievances he had received.
“We have maintained strict communication protocols, and I’m uncertain where there may have been a failure. I have done everything in my capacity to ensure that all concerns brought to me are communicated to the relevant parties,” Navara remarked.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed by sources that this student-led protest is anticipated to continue until the USP Student Association reaches a decision that would serve the best interests of both students and staff.
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