The Fiji National University (FNU) today commenced the block of graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2019, who were expected to graduate in December last year, however, due to measles epidemic that threatened Fiji, the graduation ceremonies were postponed to this year.

The first ceremony this morning at the FMF Gymnasium witnessed 118 students graduating from the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) while 110 students graduated from the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC).

Chief Guest, Minister for Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development, Waterways and Environment, Honourable Mahendra Reddy, highlighted that this graduation ceremony was a ‘special’ one, where 10 pioneer students graduated from the programme of Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry offered by CAFF.

“You don’t see one too many veterinary colleges throughout the world. It’s a very costly programme. Some six years ago, the Fijian-Government took a very bold step in accepting the proposal from the University to go ahead and establish a veterinary programme, where the University will produce veterinarians to assist the country deal with issues or challenges in the animal sector,” said Dr Reddy.

“Small developing countries have been struggling to hire or send their students for veterinary training, and this would no longer be an issue as our own University has now established its veterinary programme.”

The Minister, while congratulating the students on their achievements, challenged the graduates to make the country proud with their contributions.

“Graduates you have acquired a stock of knowledge, but knowledge doesn’t end there. The society is dynamic in nature and therefore, every now and then you will have to verify the existing stock of knowledge that you have,” Dr Reddy added.

FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Healey highlighted that CAFF has evolved from training for fieldwork to policy formulation and leadership of the workforce in the field.

Professor Healey said while the University remains focused on primary industries, it also now training more students to become leaders in their field.

Meanwhile, a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry graduate Shavneel Nadan Chetty acknowledged the support and guidance of his family in making his dream come true.

“I am from a farming background and that is where I developed the love for taking care of animals.”

According to Chetty, it was a difficult journey and he is extremely excited for making it through after almost six years of sacrifices, hard work and commitment.

He is currently employed by Goodman Fielder as Veterinary Support.

Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry graduates with the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry staff