A total of 664 students graduated today from the Fiji National University College of Humanities, Education and Law during the first day of graduation ceremonies held at Suva’s FMF Gymnasium.
FNU says 444 were females while 220 were males, reflecting the growing achievements of students across the college.
Graduate Jitesh Prasad, who received a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, says the moment was a proud one after years of sacrifice and hard work behind the scenes.
The 43-year-old from Macuata is a husband and father of four and currently serves as the Education Advisor – Nausori with the Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts.
Prasad, who is now pursuing a Master of Education, says teaching came with values adding that teachers needed to mentor students well while also having the patience to teach.
FNU highlights among the graduates were Dr Sereima Baleisomi and Dr Vilive Cagivinaka Taginasedrau, who attained Doctor of Philosophy qualifications in Education.
In addition, 14 students received Master’s qualifications, 76 students received postgraduate qualifications, 493 students graduated at undergraduate level while 79 students graduated with diploma or certificate qualifications.
Officiating the graduation, Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua says he was proud to witness graduates fulfil their dreams while also acknowledging the sacrifices made by their families.
He told graduates that their generation had an important responsibility ahead of them and stresses their decisions would not be confined to their job descriptions as they would be required to make moral, civic and national decisions throughout their careers.
Tikoduadua says graduates would work in different sectors including government, private enterprise, schools, communities and overseas, and stressed that in every place they would either raise or lower standards in society adding that Fiji depended on them.
The Minister also acknowledges the significance of programmes offered by FNU, including the Diploma in Vanua Leadership and the Sausauvou programme delivered in partnership with the Great Council of Chiefs and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs.
He describes the initiative as a national investment in continuity and said traditional leadership should not be left behind by modern Fiji or remain untouched by the demands of modern governance.
He adds that traditional leadership needed to be prepared, strengthened and equipped to serve communities in a rapidly changing world.
FNU Chancellor and Council Chair Dr Alisi Talatoka Vudiniabola says while FNU was Fiji’s national university, it also remained a university at the heart of the Pacific.
Dr Vudiniabola says the university’s mandate was not only to serve Fiji but also to contribute meaningfully to the wider Pacific community.
She says graduates had significant roles to play in shaping the future of the nation whether they chose careers in teaching, justice, arts, innovation, film or storytelling.
Dr Vudiniabola adds that FNU’s Strategic Plan 2024–2026 was developed with the National Development Plan in mind and continued to contribute towards improving access to education, bridging skills gaps, reducing poverty and unemployment, and strengthening innovation and productivity across the country.
She also thanks the Coalition Government for embracing FNU as a partner in building a stronger, more empowered and prosperous Fiji.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba stresses the College of Humanities, Education and Law had consistently produced PhD graduates over the years.
She describes it as a major achievement despite some students taking eight to nine years to complete their studies and said the college had come a long way.
Professor Nabobo-Baba encourages graduates to celebrate their achievements, continue pursuing higher qualifications and serve the country to the best of their ability.
