Dr Fereal Shahenaz Ibrahim

The Fiji National University (FNU) has marked a historic milestone with Dr Fereal Shahenaz Ibrahim becoming the first PhD graduate from its Naiyaca Campus in Labasa—an achievement that brings pride to the University, the Northern Division and the wider Vanua Levu community.

Dr Ibrahim was also awarded the Professor Tupeni Lebaivalu Baba Special Award in Education and Social Science, which recognises excellence in doctoral research that integrates theory, philosophy and practice to address contemporary educational issues. The award honours the enduring legacy of Professor Tupeni L. Baba and his contribution to educational thought across Fiji and the Pacific.

A Lecturer in Education at FNU under the College of Humanities, Education and Law, Dr Ibrahim’s academic journey is grounded in service and a lifelong commitment to teaching. She spent 19 years as a primary school teacher before joining FNU as a part-time tutor in 2012 and later as a full-time lecturer in 2015.

Originally from Valebasoga, Labasa, Dr Ibrahim credits her upbringing for shaping her passion for education. Coming from a family of educators—both parents were teachers and her late grandfather a spiritual leader and Urdu teacher—education was central to her identity. These early influences fostered strong humanistic values, a love of learning and a deep respect for culture.

Her PhD thesis, “Indo-Fijian Muslim Notions of Place, Space and Environment: Implications for a Post-Colonial Culturally Inclusive Fijian Social Science Curriculum – A Case Study of Selected Schools in Labasa, Fiji,” addresses a critical gap in Fiji’s education system. Drawing on her lived experiences as an Indo-Fijian Muslim woman, former primary teacher and education lecturer, Dr Ibrahim examined how her community’s perspectives are often absent from mainstream Social Science curricula.

Building on earlier research centred on Indigenous Fijian worldviews, her study brings Indo-Fijian Muslim perspectives into curriculum discourse, contributing to the development of a more culturally inclusive, post-colonial Social Science curriculum. Beyond Fiji, her work offers a framework adaptable across the Pacific to support culturally responsive education.

Dr Ibrahim receiving the Professor Tupeni Lebaivalu Baba Special Award in Education and Social Science from Tui Macuata, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere

Reflecting on her doctoral journey, Dr Ibrahim described it as challenging yet deeply rewarding. Balancing family responsibilities, academic work and personal adversity—including disruptions caused by COVID-19—tested her resilience. She credited her faith, family, supervisors and mentors for their unwavering support.

“The most rewarding part of my journey was giving voice to culturally grounded perspectives that are often overlooked,” she said.

Dr Ibrahim expressed gratitude to FNU for its support through research funding, sabbatical leave and assistance from the Centre for Graduate Studies and the Human Resources team.

Graduating in Labasa, close to her family and community, made the milestone especially meaningful. Looking ahead, she plans to contribute to curriculum development, mentor future educators and create learning experiences that strengthen students’ connections to culture and identity.

As FNU celebrates this landmark achievement, Dr Ibrahim’s journey stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, cultural pride and the transformative power of education—opening doors for future doctoral candidates from Naiyaca Campus and beyond.