FNU graduate Krishneel Kumar with his family

Fiji National University (FNU) had just what Krishneel Kumar was looking for when it was time for his transition from high school into a tertiary institute three years ago.

An elated Kumar reflected on his academic journey while he collected his graduation certificate from FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) nursing auditorium in Suva this morning.

“Although the certification collection cannot replace the excitement that would have been there for the traditional graduation ceremony, I am still excited about this day and I would like to make this a memorable one as today I am one step closer to my career goals,” mentioned the recent graduate.

Kumar, along with 1641 other FNU students were to have graduated in December last year, however, the graduation ceremony was halted due to COVID-19 restrictions. These students are now able to collect their graduation certificates from FNU’s Tamavua Campus until 15th January from 9 am – 4 pm.

Originally from Raviravi in Ba, Kumar grew up in Labasa where he attended Guru Nanak Primary School before moving to Khalsa College. “My keen interest in computer led me to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems, Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management course. It was an exciting journey and I would like to thank all those who helped me along the way.”

Kumar admits that despite all the positive experiences at the university, there had been challenges too.

“The biggest challenge was staying away from my family as I have had never spent so many years away from them,” he mentioned.

His proud parents and sister were among the support crew who attended the certificate collection ceremony.

“Today is simply an amazing day. It is always a proud moment to see your children progress. I am extremely happy for my son who has completed his university studies and has become the first one in the family to have attained a Bachelor’s degree,” mentioned his father, Bimal Kumar.

The former FNU student currently works as the Production Manager at Five Squares Company.

“Before this, I worked for Jacks of Fiji for a short stint. I lost my job due to the global pandemic which affected the company. I am however still thankful for the opportunity which gave me an insight into the working world,” he mentioned.

Kumar hopes to further his studies in years to come, but for now, he will spend quality time with his family to mark a momentous occasion in his life.

A total of 465 graduands from FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism (CBHTS), 386 graduands from the College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST), 462 graduands from the College of Humanities and Education (CHE), 151 graduands from the College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) and 177 graduands from the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) will collect their graduation certificates this month.