(from left) FNU’s College of Humanities, Education and Law (CHEL) Dean, Professor Mesake Dakuidreketi; FNU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Corporate Services, Dr Joseph Veramu; receive a token of appreciation from the Shanghai Normal University Vice President, Professor Jiang Mingjun delivers his speech.

Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Fiji and China, the Fiji National University (FNU) and Shanghai Normal University formalised their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Nasinu Campus on Friday, 7 November 2025. The MoU aims to promote cooperation in cultural and language programmes, leading to the establishment of a Confucius Institute at FNU’s Natabua Campus in Lautoka.

The MoU emphasises the importance of developing academic and educational ties based on principles of equality and reciprocity, with the overarching goal of enhancing mutual understanding and fostering stronger relations between the two institutions.

FNU’s College of Humanities, Education and Law (CHEL) Dean, Professor Mesake Dakuidreketi, highlighted the significance of the partnership.

FNU’s College of Humanities, Education and Law (CHEL) Dean, Professor Mesake Dakuidreketi, delivers the welcome remarks at the MoU signing.

“The MoU is not just the formalisation of an institutional partnership, but the beginning of a meaningful collaboration that will transcend borders, cultures, and disciplines,” he stated.

Professor Dakuidreketi also expressed FNU’s commitment to academic excellence and intercultural engagement, stating, “Through this MoU, we look forward to the exchange of ideas, research collaborations, joint academic activities, and most importantly, the strengthening of our shared commitment to education as a force for positive change.”

Shanghai Normal University Vice President, Professor Jiang Mingjun delivers his speech.

Professor Jiang Mingjun, Vice President of Shanghai Normal University, revealed that FNU is their only partner in Fiji.

“We highly value our cooperation with your esteemed institution. I sincerely hope that building on our existing foundation, we can expand into more diverse and deeper collaborative areas,” he said.

Professor Mingjun outlined future plans, including establishing a Confucius Institute, teacher training, and joint research initiatives for FNU.

The visiting colleagues from Shanghai Normal University also toured the Natabua Campus on Wednesday, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral educational ties.

                                                                       ENDS