Academic and researcher Davendra Sharma has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement by the London School of Business Digital (LSB Digital).
The University of Fiji says Sharma attended the award ceremony virtually, following a rigorous and highly competitive interview and evaluation process.
The University says this international recognition reflects both personal excellence and professional commitment, and shines a spotlight on UniFiji’s strengthening presence in global conversations on digital literacy, educational transformation, and capacity building.
Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem says the Certificate of Achievement from the London School of Business Digital is a significant accomplishment for the University of Fiji.
She says the University is showcasing its internationalization KPIs with awards such as this.
Professor Shameem says several other awards presented to faculty this year attest to the admirable academic progress of the University.
Professor Shameem said that she anticipated another bonanza academic year in 2026 with more and more staff attaining their PhDs and gaining international recognition for their expertise and innovations at the University.
Meanwhile, Sharma described the award as a significant milestone that honours his commitment to continuous learning and meaningful educational innovation.
He says this recognition reaffirms the work they are doing at the University of Fiji and it shows that our voice is being heard internationally and that UniFiji is contributing to global digital education dialogues.
He acknowledged that balancing the demanding application process with his academic and administrative responsibilities at UniFiji required discipline, careful time management, and encouragement from colleagues and students.
He adds that support from the University’s leadership played a central role in helping him navigate the process with confidence.
Sharma’s international visibility grew gradually as he began receiving invitations to speak on digital literacy, educational transformation, and leadership at regional and global forums. His recognition strengthened further when LSB Digital featured his work and acknowledged the alignment between UniFiji’s initiatives and international best practices.
Between 2024 and 2025, he published around 45 peer-reviewed papers in indexed international journals, covering areas such as education, digital literacy, policy and practice, governance, leadership, and traditional knowledge. These publications increased his motivation to pursue deeper research and contributed significantly to the acknowledgment he received from global academic platforms.
He attributes much of this success to the Vice-Chancellor’s encouragement for staff to engage in research and publication.
He adds that the Vice-Chancellor has been the driving force behind UniFiji’s growing research culture and her leadership empowered him to publish and expand his work.
This international recognition further elevates UniFiji’s standing as a university capable of producing scholars and professionals who meet global standards of excellence. It strengthens the institution’s presence on the world stage, showcasing UniFiji’s alignment with contemporary educational trends and international best practices.
The award not only boosts the University’s academic reputation but also opens pathways for deeper global engagement ranging from collaborative research and strategic partnerships to attracting high-quality staff and students who seek a forward-looking, internationally connected learning environment.
Inspired by this achievement, Sharma hopes to further strengthen UniFiji’s role in global education.
UniFiji says his next goals include advancing international collaborations, supporting digital literacy and policy reforms, building academic and community capacity, and accelerating his PhD research on “Repositioning Education in Fiji in the Age of the Fifth Industrial Revolution.”
