Students from the University of the South Pacific organized a significant march yesterday, calling for changes in the teaching methods employed at the institution. They voiced concerns that many courses are being instructed by consultants rather than qualified professional lecturers.
There are reports that this protest led to the dismissal of Dr. Tamara Osborne Naikatini.
Prominent in the protest was Semesa Nawasoni, the President of the Yasana ko Ba Student Association. He highlighted that the strike was largely a response to unresolved grievances with the USP Students Association, asserting that many decisions were made without adequate student consultation.
“The protest emerged because many students feel their opinions are not considered, particularly regarding their teaching staff,” Nawasoni explained.
He urged the management of USP to appoint qualified teaching professionals while emphasizing the importance of listening to students’ concerns.
“All we want is for qualified instructors to take their proper roles and for our issues to be treated with the seriousness they deserve,” he stated.
From the perspective of the I-Taukei Student Association, President Manasa Navara expressed confusion over the communication breakdown. He claimed that all grievances presented to him by students have been properly communicated.
“We have been diligent in our communication processes, and I am uncertain where the disconnect occurred. I believe I have done everything possible to relay all concerns to the appropriate authorities,” Navara remarked.
Meanwhile, sources indicate that the student-led protest is likely to continue until a satisfactory resolution is achieved by the USP Student Association, one that will benefit both students and staff.
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