The University of Fiji officially opened its new wing at the Samabula Campus in Suva last week with a traditional ‘hawan ceremony’ signifying blessing bestowed to facilitate the best learning experience for the students.

The new wing was completed some time ago, however, due to Covid and other issues, the formal blessing ceremony could not take place until now, the University said.

The ‘hawan ceremony’ was conducted by the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Pundit Bhuwan Dutt with invited guests, staff and students attending. A plaque was installed outside the main entrance to signify the new wing’s formal opening.

The founders of the University, the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, has invested $4.5 million to expand the Samabula Campus to allow for the influx of students in programmes such as law, journalism and media studies, nursing and humanities and arts. The University of Fiji Avant Garde Art Gallery is also housed in the new wing.

The Samabula Campus is home to over 600 students enrolled in the various programmes on offer.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the University’s Physical Planning and Development Committee Chair and President of the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, Mr Arun Padarath, told those present that Samabula Campus students will undoubtedly take advantage of the expanded facilities at the Campus, and will not only achieve academic excellence but will also develop the human values of integrity,

perseverance and service to humanity which is the foundational philosophy of the Sabha’s educational framework.

“I take this opportunity to encourage the students, faculty and administration to make the best

use of this facility. A great institution is not built merely by infrastructure but by the spirit of

those who inhabit it.”

Mr Padarath said that the building included back-up facilities such as a generator and reserve water tanks to support student and staff needs.

The University of Fiji’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem, said that the University will continue to expand as the student numbers increase.

“The University is nearly 20 years old now, with more than 5000 graduates that we have sent out into the world since the University opened its doors for tertiary education. We have certainly reached a milestone with the dedication of the new wing, an event that can only bring blessings for our work within. A building, built especially for an educational purpose, is more than just a physical structure but is a source of spiritual and psychological strength for those who inhabit it”, she said.