The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Narendra Reddy, yesterday came out to speak publicly for the first time on the students’ pro- test.

Mr Reddy said three days were not enough to respond to all the students’ grievances.

He made the statement after students walked out and held a protest with placards. One placard said “we have waited long enough”.

The University of Fiji Students Association had given the university three days to respond and warned it would escalate its Black Ribbon Movement action.

That notice expired on Thursday and the students went out to protest yesterday.

Mr Reddy said: “We cannot respond to a number of issues immediately in three days because we are a university and we have rules and regulations”.

He said students knew that if they wanted something, it went through a process. An answer or solution was not given straight away, he added.

Mr Reddy said the University Council, to meet in March, had the power to resolve some of the issues.

University of Fiji students with their placards during the protest. Photo: Rohit Kumar

He said many of the changes the students wanted needed to go through certain processes, which the students had to understand.

Association president Ratu Sailosi Naimoqe Dawai said: “We will take one step at a time in taking the unresolved matter and issue forward. We have already notified the Ministry of Education and the Fiji Higher Education Commission, who are responsible for universities.

University of Fiji students with their placards during the protest. Photo: Rohit Kumar

“I am happy that students turned out in numbers with their placards with written concerns demanding action and for the University Council to see urgency to meet and resolve pending issues”.

Third-year Bachelor of Science student Seteo Baini Daveta said: “I want improvement in the science lab, it is too congested inside. We need more chemicals and science equipment.

Second-year Bachelor of Commerce student Aeroz Khan said he hoped the action of the students would make a difference.

Edited by Epineri Vula