Spearheading another first- The University of Fiji Cadet Programme with the RFMF

In a trailblazing move to ensure that its students have the opportunity to participate in the Cadet Programme previously available only in some high schools, the University of Fiji has been permitted to incorporate the Programme into its curriculum by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Major General Jone Logavatu Kalouniwai.

The Cadet Programme belongs exclusively to the RFMF and is normally offered only to a select few high schools in Fiji.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem said that the University Council saw the RFMF’s Cadet Programme as an ideal way to assist their students find balance and discipline. She said that, due to the connections of Brigadier-General (retired) Professor Aziz Mohammed of the JDP School of Law and Council member, an approach had been made to the RFMF Commander to assist the University to offer the Cadet Programme from 2025.

Professor Shameem said the main reason provided by the University to the Commander for the Cadet Programme was that the University was concerned with the prevalence and range of social problems among the young people in Fiji. It was convinced that one of the important ways of providing support to its students as a coping mechanism for social problems was character-building. The University informed the Commander that the RFMF’s Cadet Programme was a proven method of ensuring that young people in the Programme learnt confidence, developed strong personal and inter-personal skills, respect for others, and self-discipline even when things became difficult.

The University requested the RFMF to assist with Cadet training and support in drills and pass out parades in the first year, followed by a field craft exercise. The University also sought drill instructors to conduct the drills and prepare the University’s Cadets for the pass out parade and instructors in field craft and survival routines for subsequent deployment for a field exercise.

Professor Shameem said that the University was delighted when it received a positive response from the RFMF Commander to its request in time for the Cadet Programme to begin in February.

In its response to the University, the RFMF Commander commended its initiative to incorporate the Cadet Programme into the curriculum, adding it was a way also of promoting responsible citizenship among the students amidst other rising concerns such as domestic violence and aggravated robberies. The Programme at the University would serve as a vital tool to instill discipline and leadership skills in students fostering a sense of responsibility and service to Fiji, the response noted.

To facilitate the request, the Commander RFMF has tasked the Land Force Command to liaise with the University to provide the Cadet Programme that will include Drill Training, designed to instill discipline, teamwork and precision, culminating in a Pass Out Parade to showcase the students’ achievements. The Land Force Command will also conduct Field Exercises with the Cadets which will develop their problem-solving leadership and resilience in a practical environment.

Professor Shameem said that the Land Forces Command will work in partnership with the University’s designated staff to plan, coordinate and execute all aspects of the Cadet Programme. This will include setting schedules, identifying resources, and determining the logistics required for the programme’s successful implementation.

She said that both the University and the RFMF fully anticipated that their partnership for the Cadet Programme will empower the next generation of leaders and responsible citizens.

The representative of the University who will liaise with the Land Forces Command to spearhead the Cadet Programme is Brigadier General (retired) Professor Aziz Mohammed of the JDP School of Law and member of the University Council.

The University of Fiji Student Association (UFSA) has reported significant interest among its membership for the Cadet Programme and will assist the University Administration to organize logistics.