University of Fiji students protest outside campuses

More than 2,000 students of the University of Fiji Saweni and Samabula campuses today went on protest regarding on-going issues with the senior staff of the institution.

Student President, Ratu Sailosi Dawai says that a number of issues like lecturers not turning up to teach, shortage of chairs in lecture rooms, computers not functional and the shortage of books in the library have been raised numerous times.

Student President, Ratu Sailosi Dawai [front] with students

Dawai says that on Monday, they submitted a 12-page notice to the governing body of the university regarding the issues.

He says the students have had enough of raising the issues and want the Government to step in and solve the matter.

“We are taking things step by step and we will wait for the University’s response to decide where we will move on from and if we appreciate the response.”

University of Fiji Acting Vice Chancellor Narendra Reddy

Acting Vice Chancellor Narendra Reddy says they are doing all they can to address some of the issues.

“Most of these issues we have to take it to the council and the next meeting with the council is around March 23rdand these issues will finally be addressed but to the best of our ability we are addressing them.”

The students are expected to meet with the senior staff in the next three days.