Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honourable Viliame Gavoka (second from right) next to the Fiji National University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba (first from right), and Professor Paul Dargusch from Monash University and the FNU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, Professor Jimaima Lako, together with FNU’s Senior Leadership Team at Bonunaqwele Nadi Campus yesterday.

Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honourable Viliame Gavoka addressed the Fiji National University (FNU) Senior Leadership Team (SLT) that a new dawn has begun for Fiji with the nation and the FNU working hand in hand.

Hon. Viliame Gavoka made this comment while officiating as Chief Guest at the FNU’s Senior Leadership Team Workshop under the theme ‘Learning Together’ at the Bonunaqwele Nadi Campus yesterday.

He explained that from the Government’s perspective, education was not a standalone sector, but a central pillar of the nation’s development.

“Institutions such as Fiji National University do far more than produce graduates—they shape the skills, the thinking and the leadership capacity of our nation,” said Hon. Viliame Gavoka.

“Fiji National University sits at the very heart of our development agenda. As Fiji’s largest and most comprehensive university, FNU plays a unique role in bridging higher education and TVET, developing, upskilling and reskilling the workforce on which our economy depends.

“From government and industry to urban centres and our rural, maritime and outer island communities, nearly every sector relies on FNU graduates. Our national development goals cannot be realised without a strong, agile and responsive Fiji National University.”

He added that such workshops were vital because the quality of leadership within the nation’s education system directly shaped the quality of leadership across Fiji’s economy and society.

Na Vualiku Tourism Development Program 

Hon. Viliame Gavoka said the Na Vualiku project will create a wide spectrum of skills demand.

“Through responsive curriculum design and flexible delivery models, FNU can help ensure that training programs directly support Na Vualiku investments and meet the evolving needs of the tourism sector in the Northern Division,” he said.

FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba added that the purpose of the critical workshop was to educate, empower, and uplift the people of Fiji.

She said over the past year, FNU deliberately strengthened its contribution to the tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

“Central to this work is our leadership in Technical and Vocational Education and Training,” said Professor Nabobo-Baba.

“TVET is no longer an alternative pathway, it is a strategic pillar of national development. Through strengthened accreditation, industry-aligned curricula, and expanded work-integrated learning, FNU is redefining TVET as a pathway of dignity, mobility and impact.”

The workshop will conclude tomorrow.