Timoci Naivalulevu became the first-ever graduate from the Fiji National University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences in the Master by Research (Public Health) programme, marking a significant milestone for both him and the university.

Naivalulevu hails from Natobuniqio Village in Vugalei, Tailevu.

“I am really excited because I am not an alumnus of CMNHS and come from USP, so graduating from the College has been a journey. In 2003, I applied for FSM (now CMNHS), but I was rejected. Coming back full circle and now graduating is truly special,” Naivalulevu said.

“It’s the work that I do in helping communities, so this research goes a long way because it focuses on water quality in rural communities, creating safer communities, improving their standard of living, and supporting community development.”

The Fiji National University’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry also celebrated the graduation of one of its students, Dr Atish Chand, who graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) today.

His thesis is titled: “Value Chain Analysis and Climate Change Intervention in the Fijian Dairy Industry.”

Dr Chand is an Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) scholarship recipient.

FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba thanked everyone who helped each graduate reach this milestone.

“As you walk out the door today, please make a difference. Make sure that the playing field is a little more level because you walked (graduated) today. Well done — go and celebrate,” Professor Nabobo-Baba said.

“The graduates wouldn’t have walked today without you. Vinaka vakalevu to parents, spouses, partners, and children. We know you will do better in your next graduation; we know that you will do better when you enter the world of work. The faculty has given you everything we can, and FNU will continue to work hard at resourcing you and the children you will raise in the future. This is our commitment.”

There was a total of 531 graduates from the Colleges of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies and the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

 

Of the total graduates today:

Among today’s graduates:

Chief Guest, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Lands & Mineral Resources, Honourable Filimoni Vosarogo, reminded graduates to embrace a patriotism of action.

“When people say patriotism, it is not just a slogan with sentimental hype attached to it. It is the daily choice to contribute, to innovate, and to serve in your workplaces with Fiji foremost in mind. It is refusing the easy path of emigration when challenges arise, choosing instead to

stay and solve them. It is mentoring the next generation, demanding integrity in your professions, and holding yourself accountable to a higher standard because this is your country,” Honourable Vosarogo said.

“The Fiji we all want — prosperous, united, sustainable, and proud — will not emerge by accident. It will be built by you: by your ideas, your integrity, your innovation, and your unwavering commitment to stay in Fiji and work alongside us. Graduates, the tide is with those who row together in one direction, towards one destiny.

“Fiji is calling. Answer with excellence. Answer with courage. Answer as builders and patriots of Fiji — the pride of the South Seas that we all call home. Congratulations, graduands — patriots and builders of a Fiji that, with your caring hands, will be safer, more prosperous, and more just.”