South Korean national, Jiwon Lee graduated with Bachelor of Dental Surgery.

The Fiji National University (FNU) celebrated a major milestone as 1,831 students graduated over three days at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. Graduates represented all seven of FNU’s academic divisions.

The College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) saw 56 students receive their qualifications, while the College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) produced 397 graduates. The College of Engineering and Technical Vocational Education and Training (CETVET) awarded 252 qualifications, and 174 graduates emerged from the College of Humanities, Education and Law (CHEL). The College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) recorded the highest number of graduates with 861, underscoring its pivotal role in the region’s health workforce. In addition, 19 students graduated from the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies (PCMS) and 72 from the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC). The University also celebrated three new Doctor of Philosophy graduates—one each from CAFF, CBHTS and CETVET.

Chief guest and Future Farms Fiji Pte Limited, Stanley Raniga shared his remarks.

Addressing the CMNHS cohort, FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba urged graduates to recognise the urgent health challenges facing Fiji and the Pacific.

“You are now the torch-bearers — the hope of our communities, villages, and islands. Your hands hold the power to heal; your minds hold the power to transform,” Professor Nabobo-Baba said.

“With rising HIV/AIDS and NCDs sweeping across Fiji and the Pacific, the knowledge and skills you carry are more urgently needed than ever. I challenge each of you — doctors, nurses, public health professionals, researchers — to commit yourselves to this cause.”

FNU Chancellor and Chair, Mr Semesa Karavaki, affirmed the significant contribution each graduate is capable of making.

“The fight against HIV/AIDS demands continuous advocacy, destigmatisation, and community-centred support. The battle against NCDs requires leadership in promoting healthier living, sustainable environments, and equitable access to health services,” Mr Karavaki said.

Chief guest and Future Farms Fiji Pte Limited Chief Executive Officer, Mr Stanley Raniga, reminded graduates that their chosen professions form the backbone of thriving societies.

“They are the pillars upon which healthy, thriving communities are built. These fields are at the very heart of societal wellbeing, playing a vital role in safeguarding lives, alleviating suffering, and promoting health equity,” Raniga said.

“In Fiji and across the Pacific, your work is essential—not just in hospitals and clinics but in communities, schools, homes, and remote areas where healthcare access can be limited.”

Among the standout graduates was Samoan national Daniel Meki Iuogafa Tuigaleava, who completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing – Intensive Care Nursing, part of an inaugural programme within CMNHS.

FNU Chancellor, Mr Semesa Karavaki delivers his remarks.

One of only three graduates from this pioneering course, Tuigaleava described the experience as both transformative and professionally enriching.

“I have always been passionate about nursing,” Tuigaleava said.

“My aim is to apply everything I have learnt in this programme to support and strengthen the medical sector in my country. I am grateful to have chosen FNU because it offered extensive hands-on opportunities that have fully prepared me for the field.”

Also walking proudly across the stage was Jiwon Lee, a South Korean national graduated with Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed deep appreciation for the academic staff who guided her throughout.

She said their dedication “played a vital role in my achievements” and noted that her family’s association with FNU continues, with her older brother currently pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University.

The three-day graduation celebration highlighted not only academic success but also the cultural, regional and professional diversity of FNU’s student body.

Pioneering Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing – Intensive Care Nursing graduate, Daniel Meki Iuogafa Tuigaleava