The Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, in partnership with the Fiji National University (FNU), celebrated a historic achievement with the awarding of results for the first-ever Fiji Veterinary Examination, at FNU’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF), Koronivia.

A total of 33 participants successfully passed the MOAW’s veterinary qualifying examination, making them the first group of students in Fiji’s history who graduated locally with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the Fiji National University to qualify for registration as veterinarians.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways, Dr Andrew Tukana, congratulated the newly registered veterinarians for their perseverance and sacrifice.

“This is the first time Fiji has conducted its own veterinary examination, and it represents a major step forward for the profession and for our agriculture sector,” Dr Tukana said.

“These 33 successful candidates are now eligible to be registered as veterinarians in Fiji, and their expertise will also be invaluable across the Pacific where there is a chronic shortage of veterinarians.”

He added that this milestone was possible through Cabinet endorsement, strong collaboration with FNU, and support from a staff from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Australia.

“This sets the way forward for closer collaboration between the Ministry, FNU, and the Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC) as we develop future training and practical opportunities for our students.”

FNU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Paul Iji, also reflected on the long journey to this milestone, noting that it was the culmination of more than a decade of effort.

“For more than ten years, we have been striving towards this milestone, and today we celebrate not just results, but resilience and partnership,” Prof. Iji said. “We never forgot our students, and with the Ministry’s unwavering support, we have opened the doors for them to contribute meaningfully to animal health, food security, and the wider community. This is only the beginning, and we look forward to advancing veterinary education even further in Fiji and the Pacific.”

The examination was facilitated by Dr Anand Deo and Dr Kenneth Cokanasiga, with Dr Deo acknowledging the registered veterinarians’ dedication and welcoming them into the veterinary fraternity.

“You have worked very hard and made many sacrifices, supported by your families, to reach this point in your careers,” Dr Deo said.

“There is a worldwide chronic shortage of veterinarians, especially in the Pacific, and you will make a significant difference to livestock health and production, as well as to the care of companion animals in your countries. This is only the start of long and rewarding careers.”

The successful completion of Fiji’s first Veterinary Examination marks a turning point for the country’s animal health sector. It is expected to strengthen veterinary services, improve food security, and build capacity both in Fiji and across the Pacific region.