Students at the University of the South Pacific took to the streets yesterday in a large protest calling for changes in their teaching methods. They argue 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. Semesa Nawasoni, President of the Yasana ko Ba Student Association, highlighted that the strike stemmed from unaddressed grievances, alleging that the USP Students Association was making decisions without proper consultation with the students.
“The protest occurred because many students feel their voices are not being heard, especially regarding their teaching staff,” Nawasoni stated. He urged the university management to appoint qualified teaching professionals and emphasized the importance of acknowledging student concerns.
From the perspective of the I-Taukei Student Association, its President Manasa Navara expressed confusion about the communication breakdown, asserting that he has always conveyed students’ grievances to the appropriate authorities. “We have been very strict with communication, and I’m unsure where the breakdown occurred. I believe I have done everything I can to ensure students’ issues are relayed effectively,” he said.
Sources confirm that the student-led protest is likely to continue until the USP Student Association reaches a decision that adequately addresses the needs of both students and staff.
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