“Our universities play a crucial role in equipping our people with the skills and competencies that drive innovation, productivity, and inclusive growth.”
Dr Eci Naisele, Director of the Higher Education Commission of Fiji, delivers his opening remarks at the Fiji National University.
Dr Eci Naisele, Director of the Higher Education Commission of Fiji, delivered this powerful statement at the Fiji National University’s (FNU) inaugural Local Learning and Teaching Symposium at the Nasinu Campus today, Thursday, 6 November 2025.
The two-day event, organised by FNU’s Office of Learning and Teaching, aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and excellence in higher education, under the theme “Quality Education for Development and Employability.”
In his opening remarks, Dr Naisele underscored the vital role of universities in shaping the country’s future saying, “Our universities play a crucial role in equipping our people with the skills and competencies that drive innovation, productivity, and inclusive growth.”
Reflecting on the symposium’s focus, Dr Naisele emphasised its alignment with Fiji’s national aspirations: “building a knowledge-based economy, empowering our people through skills and learning, and ensuring that education serves as a catalyst for both personal and national transformation.”
He further highlighted the importance of quality higher education in Fiji’s sustainable development stating “Quality higher education remains the cornerstone of Fiji’s sustainable development, economic growth, and social advancement. We must ensure that our graduates are not only employable but adaptable — ready to contribute meaningfully to national development and to participate fully in an increasingly interconnected Pacific region and global community.”
FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, also highlighted the event’s significance which serves as a steppingstone towards the 2026 International Conference on Teaching and Learning, which we are proud to host next year.
“It is a space for reflection, collaboration, and the sharing of best practices—where we can learn from one another and identify new ways to enhance the quality of learning at FNU. More than just an internal event,” she said.
Aligned with FNU’s Strategic Plan 2024–2026, the symposium promotes initiatives that advance educational excellence, research, and innovation.
FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba delivers her speech at the 2025 Local Learning and Teaching Symposium.
Professor Nabobo-Baba outlined her vision for the university’s future, stating, “In line with our Strategic Plan, we will also focus on expediting research and innovation in the context of academic and TVET provisions, supporting social, scientific, and technological development. We aim to develop strong interdisciplinary themes aligned with national priorities and global relevance, such as climate change adaptation, sustainable eco-tourism, and artificial intelligence.”
Throughout the symposium, participants will engage in presentations, discussions, and workshops exploring innovative pedagogies, assessment strategies, technology-enhanced learning, and inclusive education. The symposium will culminate with selected papers representing FNU at the 2026 International Conference on Teaching and Learning, showcasing the university’s ongoing commitment to delivering quality education on a global scale.
For more information visit the FNU website at http://www.fnu.ac.fj.
ENDS