USP School of Law delivers winning verdict at the annual Inter-Tertiary Moot finals

_{USP’s School of Law team: (L-R) Soane Kualepeli Tupola, Fololeni Loloma, and Ope’anga Hoto Ngu Paunga. Photo: The University of the South Pacific.}

Ann-Tauilo Motuga | Reporter/Videographer

Three Tongan students representing the University of the South Pacific ‘s (USP) School of Law defeated the Fiji National University (FNU) team at the 2025 Inter-Tertiary Moot Court competition.

USP’s team was proudly represented by Soane Kualepeli Tupola, Fololeni Loloma, and Ope’anga Hoto Ngu Paunga. FNU’s team included Robert Garnett and Avikali Rokowati, with Anjani Raju as the instructing solicitor.

The annual moot competition is one of Fiji’s most anticipated events in their legal education calendar, where students are required to conduct in-depth research, prepare persuasive submissions, and present oral arguments before sitting judges.

_{Participants for the 2025 Inter-tertiary Moot Court competition. Photo: University of the South Pacific.}

For Ope‘anga, who’s in his final-year of Environmental, Property and International Law, this experience was a full-circle moment.

“Our journey began as debating opponents in Tonga and now we’ve won the Moot Court together for USP,” he says. “This experience built our advocacy skills and confidence while preparing us for the future challenges of our Pacific nations.”

Reflecting on their experience, Criminal, Health & International Law student  Fololeni says it was all about collaboration.

“The most memorable part was finding common ground through arguments, trial sessions and critiquing our own performance,” she says. “These experiences foster teamwork and push us beyond our comfort zones, because growth starts there.”

_{USP team during the moot court discussions. Photo: Fiji National University Facebook.}

Fourth-year law student Soane, who’s interested in criminal and international law says representing USP is more than a competition.

“It’s about showing strength, talent and especially diversity,” he says. “We also look forward to learning from our colleagues in other universities and gaining invaluable experience.”

FNU took to social media to congratulate both teams.

_{FNU congratulates both teams for their efforts. Photo: Fiji National University Facebook.}

“We extend our heartiest congratulations to USP Law and acknowledge the leadership by the USP Law Student Association President and executive committee members.”

Beyond developing courtroom skills, the Moot Court competition unites and encourages Fiji’s brightest law students.

For USP’s School of Law, this victory adds to a proud legacy of excellence in legal education and research, as graduates continue to make their mark in courts, government ministries, and international organisations throughout the Pacific.