The University of Fiji has officially opened its office in Nasova, Levuka, in an effort to offer high-quality higher education to Fiji’s maritime regions.
This move not only makes education more accessible to maritime students but also deepens the connection between the University and the Levuka community.
The office was officially opened by the Acting British High Commissioner to Fiji, Her Excellency, Nicola Noble late last month.
Noble said that this is an important moment for the University of Fiji and the community of Levuka, as the university’s office is located in the first Governor to Fiji’s house.
“It is particularly fitting that in a house that represents a significant period of transformation, we are knocking a new opportunity in this historic building by turning a state of historical ruin into a center of learning and cultural preservation,” she noted.
UniFiji Vice-Chancellor Shaista Shameem emphasised the importance of involving chiefs in leadership and their role in shaping the future of their communities.
“We wanted to make sure that the chiefs were very much involved in the kind of education that we were offering so that’s why we’re appointing them as Adjunct Professors at the Centre for i-Taukei studies, so students can learn from the best knowledge holders of the area.”
Levuka Town Council Chair, Ben Naidu, told Islands Business Magazine that the event represents a significant milestone for Levuka in education.
“I encourage the people of Levuka to seize this opportunity and make the most of the wide range of programs now available on our doorstep,” he said.
LTC Special Administrator Nemani Bulivou said “For 54 years, from 1970 until today, Levuka didn’t have a university, it’s been 150 years since we’ve had one. Now, the University of Fiji is here in Levuka.”
“With access to world-class education, the people of Levuka will learn a new language and approach to discussing important matters. The door has now opened,” he adds.
A final-year Law student from UniFiji, Manueli Ramokosoi, expressed his emotions while speaking to Islands Business Magazine.
“This is a great opportunity for us, most of the time many of us residing in the islands, move to urban centers to further our education, but this time around the University has come to our doorsteps.”
“I think it will boost, not only us current students, but also future students as well,” he says.
Also attending the opening was the Royal Society of Arts Manufactures and Commerce Dr Erica Meyers-Davies and Dr Scott Phillips.
A Peace Garden in Levuka
The University of Fiji and the University of Bradford also signed a Memorandum of Understanding and witnessed the inauguration of a Peace Garden in Levuka to mark the occasion.
The formal signing of the MOU took place in the Queen Victoria Memorial Town Hall.
This first joint initiative is to develop joint projects in higher education, including in formal and informal education.
The Vice Chancellors of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem, and the Vice Chancellor of Bradford University, Professor Shirley Congdon, by Zoom, signed the MOU simultaneously.
Professor Shameem says “UniFiji’s new partnership with Bradford gave both universities the chance to work together in areas of mutual interest such as student and staff exchanges, joint research and publications and artistic projects.”
“The University was delighted to work with the Levuka Town Council’s team and develop the Peace Garden to formally mark the signing ceremony and consolidate its partnership with both the Council and Bradford,” she said.
Speaking from Bradford University, Vice Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon said that they are committed to this partnership and delighted to be able to participate in the activities to develop research funds, facilitate research mobility, to support student exchange programs along with other initiatives.
“We once again congratulate you on this major initiative which will allow more people to have access to education, to utilize this education with the establishment of this seriously important initiative in Fiji,” she adds.
The Masonic Lodge in Levuka, built in 1913, was severely damaged by an arson attack in 2000, leaving only the walls standing where the Peace Garden now exists.