Good news for Itaukei students as the University of Fiji has received a $1 million capital grant from the Higher Education Commission Fiji to develop its iTaukei Study Centre.
Speaking at the signing of the agreement Higher Education Commission Fiji CEO Steven Chand says this application was made directly by the university and the institutions involved to the Ministry of Finance for capital expenses.
He says in previous years, funding had primarily focused on operational costs.
Meanwhile, University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem says they have been waiting for this grant for some time since it was approved in the 2024 budget announcement.
She says this was the first time the university had received a capital grant from the government for a specific building project.
She further says the Centre for iTaukei Studies has been part of the university for a long time but lacked the infrastructure to offer modern programs.
She adds that it is crucial to have a building that meets the needs of the iTaukei students and has a broader impact on the Itaukei community.
Professor Shameem says it is difficult for the University of Fiji to plan its programs due to limited capital resources and infrastructure and they need more buildings, lecture theatres and space for students.
She says the grant would help start essential processes such as tendering and architect selection to expedite construction.
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