Members of the public visit stalls at the FNU Nasinu Campus Market Day.

The Fiji National University’s (FNU) Nasinu Campus, today launched its inaugural Market Day, bringing together 27 staff, student and external vendors, alongside corporate partners, to showcase their products and services while raising support for students facing financial challenges.

(From Left) The FNU College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies Dean, Dr Asaeli Tuibeqa, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Nasinu Town Council, Mr Felix Magnus and Acting Head of Nasinu Campus, Ms Katarina Ruru at the Fiji National University Nasinu Campus’ inaugural Market Day.

The Chief Guest, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Nasinu Town Council, Mr Felix Magnus, commended FNU and the Foundation for using the initiative to combine entrepreneurship, community engagement and student support.

“Today is more than a Market Day. It is an opportunity to grow businesses, connect communities and support students in need. I commend FNU and the FNU Foundation for this initiative, particularly the decision to direct all stall fees towards helping students facing financial difficulties,” said Mr Magnus.

He highlighted the importance of extending educational opportunities to young people in vulnerable communities, noting that the Nasinu area has 52 informal settlements.

“I encourage the FNU Foundation to reach out to young people in these communities, give them a chance at life, offer them hope and inspire them through education. By supporting young men and women to pursue their educational aspirations, the Foundation can help transform communities and contribute to the progress of our nation through education,” he added.

Mr Magnus also encouraged vendors to make the most of the Market Day by promoting their products, attracting customers and establishing valuable business connections.

“For our vendors, this Market Day provides a platform to showcase their products, gain practical experience in marketing, customer service and business management, and build networks. For the public, it is an opportunity to support local enterprises. At the Nasinu Town Council, we recognise that strong local businesses play an important role in building strong communities,” Mr Magnus explained.

The FNU College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies Dean, Dr Asaeli Tuibeqa, delivered his welcome address at the FNU Nasinu Campus Market Day.

The Dean of FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS), Dr Asaeli Tuibeqa, further stated that the Market Day reflected the University’s commitment to creating opportunities, fostering partnerships and strengthening its connection with the wider community.

“A University is more than a place of learning, it is a place where ideas are nurtured, opportunities are created, partnerships are built and communities come together. I greatly value the initiative and commitment of our student and staff vendors who have come forward to participate in this event. Your involvement demonstrates the enterprising spirit within our University community, and I encourage you to use this opportunity to connect with members of the public, build networks and grow your ventures,” Dr Tuibeqa said.

He added that the initiative also allowed the University to support student welfare through the FNU Foundation.

“Importantly, through the FNU Foundation, our charitable arm, we are creating an opportunity for enterprise, while supporting a meaningful cause that helps students access and continue their education,” Dr Tuibeqa stated.

All stall fees collected from the Market Day will go towards the FNU Foundation, the charitable arm of the University, which provides assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds to help them access and continue their education.

The FNU Foundation continues to support students through initiatives designed to ease financial pressures and promote student wellbeing. These include the Veilomani Closet, which provides access to essential clothing, the Food Pantry, which assists students experiencing food insecurity, the Coffee Forward initiative, and scholarships and other student support programmes.

By directing stall fees towards the FNU Foundation, the University has ensured that the benefits of the Market Day extend beyond the trading stalls, contributing to a cause that supports students and their educational aspirations.

ENDS