Chief Guest and the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) Director – Industry Training, Salaseini Ligamamada (front row, center), alongside the Head of Training for the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Travel, Sheileshni Nair (left), the Head of FNU’s Namaka Campus in Nadi, Filimoni Saumaki (right), NTPC staff, and graduands following the graduation ceremony.

A total of 60 students received their Certificates of Attainment in various programmes during the Fiji National University’s (FNU) National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC), Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Travel Semester 1 Graduation Ceremony.

The ceremony was held this week at FNU’s Namaka Campus in Nadi.

The graduands completed specialised training across a range of industry-focused programmes, including Advanced Culinary Skills, Baking and Pastry, Tourism and Hospitality Services, Front Office and Customer Relations, Restaurant Operations and Housekeeping, Hairdressing, and Leadership and Management Skills.

Chief Guest and NTPC Director – Industry Training, Salaseini Ligamamada, said the graduation ceremony was a celebration of hard work and determination, while also acknowledging the support of the graduands’ families, friends, lecturers and mentors who stood beside them throughout their journey.

Graduands seated during the Fiji National University’s (FNU) National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC), Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Travel Semester 1 Graduation Ceremony.

“At NTPC, we believe education should empower individuals with practical, industry-relevant skills that create opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning,” said Ligamamada.

“Tourism remains one of Fiji’s leading economic sectors, and our nation needs skilled, adaptable and passionate professionals. I am confident that the future of our industry is in very capable hands.”

Head of Training for the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Travel, Sheileshni Nair, said the day was a proud moment for both her and the team.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to lead a department that consistently produces industry-ready graduates,” she said.

“The tourism and hospitality sectors are evolving rapidly, and you are the exact professionals needed to fill critical skills gaps and drive the industry forward. My training team and I are thrilled to host this special occasion and celebrate your hard work.”

Among the graduands was 21-year-old Salacieli Salabogi Lagivala, who received a Certificate of Attainment in Culinary Skills and dedicated his achievement to his late brother.

Chief Guest and the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) Director – Industry Training, Salaseini Ligamamada hands over the Certificate of Attainment to graduand, Salacieli Salabogi Lagivala at the graduation ceremony.

Originally from Koroinasolo in Bua, Vanua Levu, Lagivala said reaching this milestone was not without its challenges. However, he is proud to have completed the first step towards achieving the many goals he has set for his future.