Beaming smiles and the proud applause of family, friends and invited guests filled the air as 100 students of Fiji National University’s (FNU), Labasa Campus graduated this morning.

The students are graduates of various programmes under the College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS), College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST), College of Humanities and Education (CHE), College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences’ (CMNHS) and the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) that is offered at the Campus.

Chief Guest, Tui Macuata, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, congratulated the graduates and challenged them to use their knowledge attained for the good of their communities.

“The question is, what are you going to do with this knowledge you have acquired,” Ratu Wiliame said.

“Go out and do things that make you feel alive because that is what the world needs.”

“As you leave FNU today, you will not leave with just your education, but with lifelong skills to succeed.”

Ratu Wiliame also reminded the students to appreciate the years of sacrifice and commitment to achieving their qualifications.

“Today you are privileged. Privileged in the sense that you have accomplished your academic goals,” he said.

“Some of you came from families where education was expected and emphasised. Others had to overcome far more obstacles to get here. Today, some may even be the first one in their families to graduate.”

“Do not compare yourselves to others. You are all equally talented and educated and when the dust settles and noise dies down, when you graduate and secure your jobs in the real word, that’s all that counts.”

FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nigel Healey added that the graduates consisted of 6 Masters, 6 Postgraduate Certificate and Diplomas, 53 Bachelors, 10 Diplomas and 26 Certificate recipients.

“Each one of you is here today through your sustained hard work and dedication. Your courage and perseverance have enabled you to overcome difficult moments while pursuing your education at the Fiji National University,” Professor Healey said.

“We have equipped you with the knowledge, skills and competencies to join the labour market and contribute in your chosen profession. But, hopefully, we have done more than this.”

“We have given you the critical thinking skills, the independent research skills and the hunger for learning which will mean that – as the world of work changes during your lifetimes – you can constantly adapt, relearn and reinvent yourselves for what lies ahead.”

Professor Healey said the Labasa Campus had also reported a significant increase in student roll, with 800 students enrolled in various certificate, diploma and degree programmes as of this month.

He also highlighted new programmes and initiatives undertaken by the staff and students of FNU’s Labasa Campus.

“Last year, our Labasa Campus introduced two new programmes, which provides students with an opportunity to further their education through Fiji National University’s base in the Northern Division. The new programmes include the Graduate Certificate in Education and the Postgraduate Diploma in Education.”

“In an historic achievement, the Labasa Campus – in partnership with a charitable organisation, Children of Fiji – was able to assist the Wairiki community in the province of Cakaudrove to have its first pre-school education facility.”

“FNU’s School of Building and Civil Engineering from the Labasa Campus took on this project as one of its community outreach projects.”

Master of Commerce in Accounting graduate, Rajneel Ritesh Maharaj said today was a time to celebrate for him and his family.

“My academic career began years ago when I first started my tertiary journey at FNU and worked my way to Postgraduate and now Masters level,” Maharaj said.

“We should not limit ourselves and always try and achieve your dreams. Getting married or having children isn’t something that should stop you as they will become the biggest motivators along your journey.”

“I, like everyone else that graduated today, am grateful for the FNU lecturers, tutors, instructors and support staff who have all played a crucial role in helping us get to where we are today.”

The FNU Labasa Campus graduation rounds up the March block of ceremonies for FNU students.

FNU VC Prof Nigel Healey hands over a certificate to a graduate during the Labasa Campus graduation ceremony.