Graduates from the FNU’s College of Humanities, Education and Law.

A total of 664 students graduated today from the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Humanities, Education and Law (CHEL) at the first day of graduation ceremonies held at Suva’s FMF Gymnasium.

Of the graduates, 444 were females while 220 were males, reflecting the growing achievements of students across the CHEL.

Among the proud graduates were Dr Sereima Baleisomi and Dr Vilive Cagivinaka Taginasedrau, who successfully attained their Doctor of Philosophy (Education).

In addition, 14 students received Master’s qualifications, 76 students received Postgraduate qualifications, 493 students graduated at the undergraduate level while 79 students graduated with a Diploma or Certificate.

Officiating at today’s graduation ceremony was the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Honourable Pio Tikoduadua.

In his address, he highlighted that as a Fijian and as the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, he was proud to witness the graduates fulfill their dreams while also acknowledging the sacrifices made by their families.

Honourable Tikoduadua shared with the graduates that following the ceremony, there was a task before their generation.

“Whatever your field, your decisions will not be confined to your job description. You will be called upon to make moral decisions, civic decisions and national decisions. Some of you will work in government. Some in private enterprise. Some in schools. Some in newsrooms. Some in villages and communities. Some overseas. Some in places where your name will never appear in a newspaper. But in each place, you will either raise the standard or lower it,” he said.

“And that is why Fiji depends on you.”

He also acknowledged the significance of the programmes offered by the FNU – Diploma in Vanua Leadership, the Sausauvou programme which is being delivered in partnership with the Great Council of Chiefs including the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs.

“It is a national investment in continuity. For traditional leadership must not be left behind by modern Fiji, nor should it remain untouched by the demands of modern governance. It must be prepared, strengthened and equipped to serve communities in a world that is changing quickly,” he added.

FNU Chancellor and Council Chair, Dr Alisi Talatoka Vudiniabola noted that the FNU may be Fiji’s national university, but it was also a university at the heart of the Pacific.

Chief Guest, Honourable Pio Tikoduadua (standing, centre) next to the FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba (left), the FNU Chancellor and Chair of Council, Dr Alisi Talatoka Vudiniabola (right) alongside members of the FNU Senior Leadership Team.

“Our mandate is not only to serve our nation, but to contribute meaningfully to the greater Pacific community,” said Dr Vudiniabola.

“Whether you go on to teach in classrooms, advocate for justice, create works of art, drive innovation, or capture the beauty of Fiji through film and storytelling, each of you has a significant role to play in shaping the future of our nation.”

She added that the FNU’s Strategic Plan 2024–2026 was developed with the National Development Plan in mind which continues to contribute significantly towards improving access to education, bridging skills gaps, reducing poverty and unemployment, and strengthening innovation and productivity across Fiji.

“I wish to sincerely thank the Coalition Government for its forward-thinking vision and for embracing FNU as a key partner in building a stronger, more empowered, and more prosperous Fiji,” she said.

FNU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said the CHEL was consistent in graduating students with PhDs.

“That is a big achievement even if it took eight to nine years for each person to finish, CHEL has come a long way,” she said.

“Go into that world, graduates, and do us proud and tell another person that FNU was worth your while.

“Go celebrate today, plan the next Degree, get better, at the end of the day serve your country and serve it to the best of your ability.”

Graduate, Jitesh Prasad who proudly graduated today with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education was full of joy reminiscing on the sacrifices put in and hard work done behind the scenes leading to this special day for him.

The 43-year-old from Macuata is a devoted husband and father of four who currently serves as the Education Advisor – Nausori with the Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts.

He is now pursuing his Master of Education.

“Teaching comes with values, and to join this noble profession it is important that as teachers we mentor students well and have the patience to teach,” he added.