In a significant step towards regional integration and academic collaboration, the University of Fiji and the University of Goroka from Papua New Guinea have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding at a special ceremony held at the University of Fiji’s Saweni campus.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for joint academic initiatives, research collaborations, staff and student exchanges, and the shared promotion of indigenous knowledge, Pacific culture, and inclusive education.
The partnership will span three years, with both institutions committing to long-term cooperation and mutual development.
While speaking at the signing ceremony, University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem emphasised that the partnership went far beyond formalities.
Professor Shameem says this is more than a ceremonial signing, it is a mutual pledge to collaborate, share knowledge, foster innovation, and empower the next generation of scholars and leaders across the Pacific.
She says this MoU agreement outlines areas of collaboration including, student and faculty mobility programs, joint research, conferences, and symposiums, development of joint academic programs and curricula, shared promotion of Indigenous education and Pacific arts, and crafts, and music and support for underserved and rural student populations.
The University of Goroka's Vice-Chancellor, Dr Teng Komhiol Waninga, described the occasion as “history in the making” and a long-overdue move to strengthen regional higher education ties.
Dr Waininga says this MoU marks the beginning of their long journey together as academics, Melanesian brothers and sisters, and individuals working to improve the lives of our communities.
Dr. Waninga also highlighted the University of Goroka’s role as Papua New Guinea’s leading teacher training institution and noted areas of synergy in teacher education, curriculum development, and Melanesian studies.
He also extended an open invitation for further exchanges and visits between the two universities.
He also highlighted that both universities share a strong commitment to educational equity, community upliftment, and preserving traditional knowledge systems a commitment that this MoU aims to enhance.
He adds the signing ceremony marks the beginning of a shared academic journey between two Pacific universities rooted in a vision of collaboration, resilience, and unity.
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