By 2027, the Naiyaca Campus will be fully developed, Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba announced, as Fiji National University (FNU) reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the Northern Division during the Naiyaca Campus (Labasa) Orientation today.

The event was attended by FNU Foundation Patron, Na Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata, Turaga i Taukei Bolatagane, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, and highlighted FNU’s ongoing partnership with the region through the Government-supported Na Vualiku Project.

Addressing students, staff and invited guests, Professor Nabobo-Baba emphasised the importance of sustained engagement and development in the North.

“Tui Macuata is the Patron of the FNU Foundation,” she said.

“This Vice-Chancellor will ensure that our team will always come to you here in the North, because the Government expects us to be here for the next ten years.”

She explained that the Na Vualiku Project outlines FNU’s long-term presence in the Northern Division, with visible improvements already planned.

“It is called the Na Vualiku Project. You will see us, and you will see the road here improving,” she said.

Professor Nabobo-Baba added that the Naiyaca Campus is on a clear development timeline, with major milestones expected within the next few years.

“By the end of 2027, this campus will be fully developed,” she said.

The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the generosity of Tui Macuata, noting that the growth of the Naiyaca Campus would not have been possible without his support.

“We have Tui Macuata to thank, especially for the land that was gifted to the FNU family,” she said.

In his address, Ratu Wiliame emphasised the values of commitment, responsibility and education in shaping the future of the North.

“When you start, that beginning often decides where you are going,” he said, reminding students that their origins do not limit their potential, but they do shape their sense of purpose.

“Like many of you, I did not grow up with everything. There were days when simply getting to school required effort, patience and sacrifice—from my family, from the community, and from the child I was.”

He urged students to view hardship as strength rather than weakness.

“That is not weakness. That is responsibility. And I urge you to live up to that responsibility.”

Ratu Wiliame stressed that education is a collective effort and not merely a personal achievement.

“When you study, you are not studying only for yourself. You are studying for your parents who made sacrifices, for your grandparents who believed in you, and for your community that needs you.”

He further highlighted the role of young leaders in national development.

“This nation needs you as leaders who understand service, responsibility and commitment.”

Ratu Wiliame described Naiyaca Campus as a symbol of hope for the North. Recalling his remarks at the campus’s first graduation ceremony in 2025, he reiterated:

“This campus is more than buildings and classrooms. It is a place where the hope for the North will be made visible.”

“You—the students—are our hope,” he said, adding that leadership is built through character and perseverance rather than comfort or convenience.

“It means gratitude. It means showing up, doing what is right even when it is difficult, and remaining committed even when no one is watching.”