FNU Chancellor Semesa Karavaki (sitting left) with Ministry of Education PS Selina Kuruleca, FNU AVC Prof Unaisi Nabobo-Baba and members of FNU and the Ministry of Education.

The Fiji National University (FNU) has reaffirmed its commitment to the provision and delivery of quality technical and vocational education and training (TVET) courses to address national priorities.

Following a meeting between the University and the Ministry of Education, FNU Chancellor, Semesa Karavaki and Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba highlighted the University’s inclusive study pathways.

“As the nation’s major national tertiary education provider, we cater to various study levels to ensure that all students have the opportunity to pursue further education,” Professor Nabobo-Baba stated.

“Our programmes begin at Certificate Levels 3 and 4, which means those who undertook vocational studies at Levels 1 and 2 can easily transition into one of our TVET programmes at FNU.”

“FNU has always remained true to its dual-sector nature, as most of our founding institutions such as the Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT), were major TVET training institutes providing skilled graduates for the workforce.”

The Acting Vice-Chancellor added that the University would support the Ministry’s TVET initiatives in high schools and facilitate the FNU TVET Pasifika franchise courses in secondary schools.

“We will also begin utilising the training facility at Robertson Road for community-based TVET courses. This is spearheaded by our Pro-Vice-Chancellor TVET, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata and would start in the first week of September for Cookery, Patisserie, Screen Printing, Electrical and Plumbing courses,” Professor Nabobo-Baba said.

“The University is also ready to collaborate with the Ministry when conducting TVET consultations in the community and can also facilitate the Ministry’s TVET activities at the training facility.”

The FNU team had fruitful discussions regarding ongoing collaborations with the Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary, Selina Kuruleca, Director TEST Isoa Toribau and Ministry representatives.