The University of the South Pacific (USP) is celebrating a major achievement after its School of Law team captured first place in the 2025 Inter-Tertiary Moot Court Competition, defeating Fiji National University (FNU) in a thrilling final round before a distinguished panel of judges.
The annual Moot Court Competition is one of the most anticipated events in Fiji’s legal education calendar. It provides a premier platform for aspiring lawyers to showcase their skills in legal research, drafting, and persuasive advocacy while arguing a hypothetical case before members of the judiciary.
This year’s winning team including Soane Kualepeli Tupola, Fololeni Loloma, and Ope’anga Hoto Ngu Paunga earned high praise for their clarity of argument, command of complex legal principles, and confident courtroom presence.
Professor Afshin Akhtar-Khavari, Head of USP’s School of Law and Social Sciences, congratulated the students on their success:
“We are incredibly proud of Soane, Fololeni, and Ope’anga for their outstanding performance. Guided by coaches Navneel Sharma and Shivendra Nath, and supported by alumni mentors and the USP Law Students Association, their dedication and rigorous preparation truly paid off. This victory reflects the strength of USP’s legal education and inspires us to pursue international mooting opportunities, ensuring our students excel on the global stage,” Akhtar-Khavari said.
The students described the experience as transformative. Soane Kualepeli Tupola, a fourth-year student from the Kingdom of Tonga, called the competition “a great honour and privilege,” adding:
“Representing USP is not just about competition; it’s about showcasing the strength and diversity of our Pacific community. This win is a testament to the discipline and teamwork that define our Law School,” Tupola said.
Fololeni Loloma, also from Tongatapu, highlighted the practical learning.
“The most memorable part was debating interpretations, running trial sessions, and critiquing our own performance. It pushed us out of our comfort zones, and that’s where real growth begins,” Loloma said.
Ope’anga Hoto Ngu Paunga, known as Ngu and specialising in environmental and property law, reflected on the team’s shared journey.
“We first met as debating rivals in Tonga. Soane and Fololeni from Tonga High School and myself from Tonga College ‘Atele. None of us imagined we’d one day unite to represent USP in this competition. This victory belongs not just to us but to the entire USP community and our Pacific islands,” Paunga said.
Beyond sharpening legal advocacy, the Moot Court Competition fosters regional collaboration by bringing together Fiji’s brightest law students.
For USP’s School of Law, this triumph builds on a proud tradition of excellence in teaching and research. Graduates of the School play influential roles in courts, government ministries, and international organisations across the Pacific.
The 2025-win cements USP’s reputation as a hub for nurturing Pacific legal talent and inspiring the next generation of lawyers to contribute to their communities and nations.
Applications for the 2026 Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme at USP’s School of Law and Social Sciences will open soon, inviting new students to join this tradition of legal excellence.
