Na Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, unveils the new campus name.

The dreams of generations moved closer to reality, as the development of the newly named Fiji National University (FNU) Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere Labasa Campus officially broke ground today.

The historic ceremony marked far more than the commencement of construction, it celebrated the fulfilment of a vision first established more than 15 years ago, when the Vanua entrusted the Naiyaca land to FNU to create greater educational opportunities for future generations in Vanua Levu.

Named in honour of Na Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, the Campus, symbolises the enduring partnership between the University and the Vanua, a relationship built on mutual trust, respect and a shared commitment to education.

Addressing the gathering, Ratu Wiliame described the occasion as the realisation of a promise carried by generations of the people of Macuata.

Na Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere

“Today, I do not simply see the beginning of another university campus. I see the fulfilment of a vision born through the faith of our elders, the generosity of our landowners and the patience of our people,” he said.

Ratu Wiliame reminded those present that the land represented far more than a physical asset. It carried the heritage, identity and future aspirations of the Vanua.

He said the decision to gift the land to FNU was an investment in future generations, founded on the belief that education would strengthen families, communities and Vanua Levu.

Reflecting on the journey to this milestone, Ratu Wiliame acknowledged that progress had taken time, but praised FNU’s commitment to rebuilding trust and strengthening its relationship with the Vanua following the matanigasau presented by the FNU Council and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, in 2023.

“That moment meant a great deal to me because, in our culture, the strength of a relationship is not measured by challenges, but by how we overcome them.   When people have the humility to acknowledge what has happened, the courage to return, and the sincerity to restore trust in the proper way, the relationship becomes even stronger. That is what happened between the Fiji National University and the Vanua o Caumatalevu,” Ratu Wiliame said.

“We chose not to dwell on what had been lost, but to look together towards what could still be achieved. Today, I see the fulfilment of a sacred trust, the faith of our elders, and the hopes of our people beginning to rise from the very soil they entrusted in good faith.”

Na Gone Turaga Bale na Tui Macuata, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere during the Groundbreaking ceremony

Concluding his address, Ratu Wiliame urged FNU to continue honouring the trust placed in its care by ensuring the campus remains a place where education, service and the wisdom of the Vanua would continue to shape generations to come.

FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said the groundbreaking represented more than the beginning of a new campus. It reflected FNU’s responsibility to uphold the trust placed in it, by the people of Macuata.

FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba

“We are standing on land that was given to us in trust. We are honouring a relationship that began many years ago. And we are taking another important step towards a future, where our children can access quality education closer to their homes, their families and their Vanua,” Professor Nabobo-Baba said.

She said the generosity shown by the Vanua came with a responsibility that FNU would continue to uphold.

“So, when land is given, it is not an ordinary gift. It is an expression of trust. It says, we believe in what you will do here, and we trust you to look after what has been placed in your hands. This land was gifted to the Fiji National University some 15 years ago, and today we stand here because of that generosity and foresight., Professor Nabobo-Baba reiterated.

iji National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba during the Groundbreaking ceremony.

The Vice-Chancellor further added that the project reflected FNU’s commitment to ensuring more young people could pursue higher education without having to leave their communities, while strengthening partnerships with traditional landowners and stakeholders.

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together traditional leaders, government representatives, members of the FNU Council, senior University management, staff, students and members of the wider community, marking the beginning of a new chapter for higher education in the North.