Students from the Central and Eastern divisions will have greater access to primary teacher education closer to home, following the Fiji National University’s (FNU) decision to introduce Year 3 of the Bachelor of Education (Primary) at its Nasinu Campus from Semester 1, 2027.

This means students who complete Years 1 and 2 of the programme at Nasinu will be able to complete their full degree at the same campus, without having to relocate to FNU’s Natabua Campus in Lautoka or Labasa Campus for their final year.

FNU’s College of Humanities, Education and Law (CHEL) Acting Dean, Dr Joseph Veramu, said the decision would make it easier for students to complete their teacher training, while remaining closer to their families and communities.

“The main reason is to improve access for our students. We already offer Years 1 and 2 of the Bachelor of Education (Primary) programme at Nasinu, so introducing Year 3 from 2027 will allow students to complete the full programme at the same campus. This is particularly important for students from the Central and Eastern divisions who would otherwise need to relocate to another campus to complete their studies.”

“It also reflects the growing demand for teacher education and FNU’s commitment to making teacher training more accessible to students in different parts of Fiji,” said Dr Veramu.

The introduction of Year 3 at Nasinu is expected to provide greater convenience for students and their families while reducing some of the financial and logistical challenges associated with relocating for the final year.

“The biggest benefit is that students will now be able to complete their Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree closer to home. For many students and their families, this will reduce the cost of accommodation, travel and relocation.”

“It will also allow students to remain closer to their families and support networks while completing their final year. We believe this will make the transition through the programme much easier for our students,” added Dr Veramu.

CHEL has recorded encouraging interest in the Bachelor of Education (Primary) programme at Nasinu. In 2026, approximately 100 students are enrolled in Year 1 and 50 in Year 2. For 2027, the College anticipates around 150 Year 1 students, 100 Year 2 students and approximately 50 students progressing into Year 3.

Dr Veramu further added that the projected enrolment reflected the growing demand for primary teacher education in the Central Division.

“We have seen encouraging interest in the Bachelor of Education (Primary) programme at Nasinu. This shows that there is a growing demand for primary teacher education in the Central Division and reinforces our decision to offer the full programme at Nasinu,”  Dr Veramu reiterated.

He said the expansion would also benefit students facing financial, family or logistical challenges.

“It gives students the opportunity to complete their qualification without the additional burden of relocating. This is especially important for students who have family responsibilities or may find the cost of accommodation and travel difficult.”

“Being able to study at Nasinu means they can remain within their communities and family support systems while completing their degree. Ultimately, we want access to teacher education to be determined by students’ ability and aspirations, rather than where they live,” he said.

Dr Veramu also stated that the decision was also part of FNU’s wider commitment to making higher education more accessible and preparing qualified teachers for Fiji’s education sector.

“As a national university, FNU has an important role in making higher education accessible across Fiji. Offering the full Bachelor of Education (Primary) programme at Nasinu is part of that commitment.”

“For the School of Education, it also means we can continue preparing more qualified, competent and classroom-ready primary teachers who can contribute to schools and communities across Fiji. Our focus is not only on providing a qualification, but on preparing teachers who understand the realities of Fijian classrooms and can make a positive difference in children’s learning,” Dr Veramu highlighted.

He said students would also have opportunities to connect their university learning with real classroom experience through school-based experiences and teaching practicums.

“Students can expect a strong combination of academic learning and practical teacher preparation. They will be taught by our teacher educators in the School of Education and will have access to the learning and student support facilities available at Nasinu Campus.”

“Importantly, teacher education is not only about what students learn in lectures. Students will have opportunities to apply what they learn at the University through school-based experiences and teaching practicums. By the time they graduate, we want them to be confident, professional and ready to take responsibility for teaching and learning in a primary school classroom,” Dr Veramu expressed.

The introduction of Year 3 at Nasinu will give students in the Central and Eastern divisions a more accessible pathway to complete their Bachelor of Education (Primary) while remaining closer to their families and communities.

ENDS