THE government should reconsider sending further students to universities in Fiji in light of the disaster situation brought on by Cyclone Winston and the fact registrations have already closed.
Vice President of the University of South Pacific (USP) Students Association Solomon Islander Anthony Maelasi issued the reminder yesterday.
“We are aware that NTU is still sending students to study at USP and other institutions in Fiji,” Mr Maelasi said in a statement.
“One group arrived last night (Wednesday), one group arrived on Thursday and another group is arriving this weekend,” he added.
“We are fully aware of the MPs list and they are putting a lot of pressure on NTU to send these students over,” Mr Maelasi continued.
But he said authorities need to take note of the following:
1. This is week 3 and the USP, FNU and FSM are all closed this week due to tropical cyclone Winston. Even if they do come this week, all the campus offices will not be opened, hence, they won’t get any assistance at all.
2. USP, FNU, FSM registration are all closed already.
3. Finding accommodation is very difficult at the moment. Even students coming in earlier charters are still finding it hard to find accommodation.
4. All accommodation on campus are FULL. There is no more space available.
5. It was found that a number of students sent have only registered for ONE unit, which they should have stayed back and do it at home without having to come all the way just to do the one unit.
6. The Solomon Islands Students Association Executive are stretched to their max and cannot bear the current influx of students. After all, they will bear the responsibility to ensure that students well-being are well taken care of.
7. SISA Orientation program is kept on deferring because of students still coming in.
8. NTU to STOP sending students or else defer all for the second semester.
10. All students sent will put extra burden on the student body, USPSA, and the Education Attache.
“Remember we do not want a high failure rate again this year and these are some of the factors that contribute to students’ failure,” Mr Maelasi said.
He urged relevant government authorities to take heed of the information provided.
“Remember the current arrangement is putting a lot of unnecessary pressure on student leaders (who need time to focus and concentrate on studies themselves), the EA and the especially the limited resources we have as a student body.”
