The Fiji National University (FNU), through its College of Humanities, Education and Law (CHEL), proudly launched the 2025 Inter Tertiary Moot Competition at the Tiri Bar restaurant, Nasese Campus yesterday, 16 September 2025.
This year’s moot competition features an exciting rivalry between the University of the South Pacific (USP) and FNU, with FNU acting as the defending champion after their victory last year. As such, FNU is hosting the competition, bringing together talented law students from Fiji’s tertiary institutions to demonstrate their advocacy skills, legal reasoning, and courtroom presence.
FNU’s College of Humanities, Education and Law Associate Dean, Dr Lavinia Tiko launched the 2025 Inter Tertiary Moot Competition.
The chief guest and FNU’s College of Humanities, Education and Law Associate Dean, Dr Lavinia Tiko, highlighted the importance of mooting as an educational tool that bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world legal practice.
She emphasised that mooting is more than an academic exercise; it is an opportunity for students to bring legal principles to life.
“Inside the classroom, students learn statutes, case laws, and principles. But in the moot court, they learn how to apply them: how to build a case, test arguments, and persuade an audience of judges. This is the bridge between theory and practice,” Dr Tiko explained.
She further underscored that mooting cultivates essential skills such as research, reasoning, teamwork, and confidence—attributes vital for future legal professionals.
FNU’s Head of the School of Law, Ethics and Governance, Ana Rokomokoti delivers her remarks at the launch of the 2025 Inter Tertiary Moot Competition.
FNU’s Head of the School of Law, Ethics and Governance, Ana Rokomokoti described mooting as a critical platform for developing advocacy skills and understanding courtroom procedures.
She also highlighted that the moot problem for this year’s competition is both timely and relevant, reflecting issues currently confronting Fiji’s legal landscape.
“The competition requires students to interpret our Constitution with care, balance rights and responsibilities, and draw on persuasive legal authorities from Fiji and beyond. It also addresses the challenges posed by digital space, which demands strategic and tactful legal reasoning,” Ms Rokomokoti said.
Participants from both universities expressed their enthusiasm and readiness for the competition.
FNU Bachelor of Law students at the launch of the 2025 Inter Tertiary Moot Competition.
FNU third-year Bachelor of Law student, Avikali Rokowati, shared her team’s preparations saying “Our competitors look strong, but we are committed to working extra hard to showcase what sets us apart. We will focus on conducting thorough research and understanding the legislature to ensure we are well-prepared for the courtroom.”
Similarly, Soane Kualepeli Tupola, a fourth-year Bachelor of Law student from USP and originally from the Kingdom of Tonga, conveyed his team’s eagerness to participate.
“This competition is a fantastic opportunity to enhance our advocacy, submission, and oral presentation skills. We are preparing intensively, leaving no stone unturned in our case preparation to ensure we perform at our best,” he stated.
The 2025 Inter Tertiary Moot Competition underscores FNU’s commitment to fostering legal excellence and preparing students for the practical realities of the legal profession.
For more information visit the FNU website at http://www.fnu.ac.fj.
ENDS