UniFiji to pioneer AI and cultural studies with traditional chiefs as professors

The University of Fiji will focus on new and innovative teaching techniques and courses to be future-ready, including appointing traditional chiefs as adjunct professors and teaching AI.

UniFiji Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem, says they will not replicate what other institutions are doing, as they believe that to be future-ready, the University of Fiji must stay ahead of the game.

She says in the fields of science and technology, the university is concentrating on topical areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology.

Professor Shameem says it is extremely important to understand artificial intelligence, its limits as well as its function in society and its risks as well.

She further highlights that their Centre for iTaukei Studies is unique, as it is the only one of its kind in Fiji.

The Vice-Chancellor says part of the Centre’s education programme is being moved to Levuka, where traditional chiefs will be appointed as adjunct professors to teach about traditional aspects of culture, language - if needed, performance and history.

She also says their schools are small in size, allowing students to receive individual attention.

Professor Shameem adds the university offers a good pastoral care and an excellent counselling service, ensuring students are looked after from the moment they enter their doors to the time they graduate.