Several prominent schools around the Central Division were allowed to connect with elite universities.
The Fiji National University (FNU) proudly welcomed the World Leading Schools Association (WLSA) and esteemed dignitaries, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Honourable Manoa Kamikamica, at its Nasinu Campus today.
The landmark event that brought together global education networks, FNU academics, and over 100 secondary school students from around the Central Division to deepen dialogue on global academic collaboration, cross-cultural learning, and future-facing student opportunities.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s steadfast commitment to strengthening education as a national priority.
“Education is no longer a luxury, it is a national imperative,” Honourable Kamikamica declared. “In Fiji, we see education not simply as a public service, but as a strategic investment in our people, our economy, and our democracy. It is the foundation upon which we will build the Fiji of tomorrow, a nation that is resilient, innovative, inclusive and globally competitive.”
WLSA CAN representatives with FNU’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Plange and DPM, Honourable Manoa Kamikamica
The Honourable Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the Coalition Government’s wide-ranging reforms in the education sector, including the restoration of free primary and secondary education, TVET expansion through institutions like FNU, and increased scholarships and loan schemes focused on STEM, health, and critical industries.
The event spotlighted the WLSA–CAN (College Admission Network) programme, which connects high-achieving secondary schools and elite universities from around the world to promote collaborative, inclusive, and globally aware education.
Honourable Kamikamica shared that this initiative recognises that education is no longer confined by borders and that global readiness must be at the heart of our learning ecosystems.
FNU students and high school attendees had the opportunity to engage with representatives from prestigious international universities such as the University of Southern California and the University of Michigan, take campus tours, and explore scholarship pathways.