The University of Fiji and Tonga’s Atenisi Institute have formed a partnership to work together in strengthening higher education in the Pacific through shared values and academic collaboration.
The partnership will focus on promoting internationalization, research initiatives, and building the humanities and social sciences so graduates are not only skilled but also socially responsible and globally aware.
During the two-day visit to UniFiji’s Saweni Campus, Atenisi Institute’s Dean, Dr Michael Horowitz met with university leaders, staff, and students, highlighting the strength of Pacific universities in quality research, creative thinking, and producing environmentally conscious graduates.
UniFiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem says the partnership will allow both universities to uphold the same philosophies of freedom of thought and critical inquiry.
She emphasises that the collaboration will open opportunities for student and staff exchanges as well as joint research.
Horowitz also stresses the importance of universities instilling conscience, critical thinking, and global awareness in their graduates, as these values are vital for tackling the major challenges of the 21st century.
This partnership aims to play an important role in shaping the future of higher education in the Pacific.
