The Fiji National University (FNU) proudly welcomed the Nevada National Guard visitation team to its Nasinu Campus yesterday, 7 July 2025, exemplifying strengthened international collaboration and shared commitment to security, development, and understanding across both nations.
FNU Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nii-K Plange, expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, “It is truly inspiring to see such ongoing engagement, demonstrating Nevada’s unwavering support for Fiji’s development and security initiatives.”
Nevada National Guard team tour around the Fiji National University Nasinu Campus.
He highlighted that FNU’s partnership with the Nevada National Guard, through the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), aligns with the university’s mission to deliver Officer Professional Development (OPD) programmes that empower individuals and foster societal progress.
Professor Plange explained that the collaboration resonates with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16—Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions—and SDG 4—Quality Education. “By fostering these relationships, we work collectively to enhance peace-building efforts, security, and capacity development—areas vital to the sustainable growth of both our nations,” Professor Plange said.
He emphasised the importance of practical exchanges, noting, “Visits like this are instrumental in strengthening the practical components of our relationship with the Fiji Territorial Forces, which provide students with exposure to international best practices, foster cross-cultural understanding, and cultivate the leadership qualities necessary for future security professionals.”
The Chief Guest, Brigadier General D. Rodger (Dan) Waters, 31st Adjutant General for the State of Nevada, reflected on the programme’s progress, highlighting the success of the High School Agriculture competition. “It is a perfect example of what we’ve got going on, what we’re developing, the partnership, the friendship we have, a tripod relationship between Fiji National University, the College of Southern Nevada and Nevada National Guard,” Brigadier General Waters highlighted.
Brigadier General D. Rodger (Dan) Waters addresses the staff and officials during the visit at the Fiji National University Nasinu Campus.
Brigadier Waters underscored the significance of education and shared the vision of Professor Plange, stating, “Education isn’t about teaching people what to think. It’s teaching people how to think and recognising that we can come together and not everyone has to have the same opinion. We can disagree and still belong for the common good to an end state that benefits a peaceful world.”
FNU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, Professor Jimaima Lako, provided an update on the university’s initiatives, including the launch of the FNU Foundation in April this year, following the Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba’s visit to the Nevada National Guard last year.
This visit underscored the enduring commitment of FNU and its partners to fostering international cooperation, capacity building, and mutual understanding for the benefit of both Fiji and Nevada.
For more information visit the FNU website at http://www.fnu.ac.fj
ENDS