FNU Graduates during the Graduation Ceremony.

Fiji National University’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry and the College of Business, Hospitality, and Tourism Studies graduates were hailed for their perseverance by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Honourable Viliame Gavoka.

There were 327 graduates from the College of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry and the College of Business, Hospitality, and Tourism Studies who graduated from Day 2 of the Graduation Session at the FNU’s Graduation Ceremony at the Vodafone Arena in Suva today.

Chief Guest and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Tourism & Civil Aviation Honourable Viliame Gavoka.

“As we gather to celebrate your graduation, we acknowledge your perseverance, your dedication to overcome adversity, and that with persistence, you have progressed. Congratulations to all of you,” said Honourable Gavoka.

“Parents, spouses, siblings, and the staff of FNU, as we reflect on this momentous occasion, let us not only celebrate the achievements of these graduates but encourage the graduates to join Fiji’s human resources so we can boost our economy and continue to compete at the regional and global market.”

He challenges the graduates to reaffirm their commitment to lifelong learning, growth, and service to society for the betterment of our Fiji and humanity.

FNU Chancellor and Council Chair Semesa Karavaki said graduation signified a significant milestone in the lives of students, marking the culmination of their hard work, commitment, and dedication.

“In the face of future challenges, remember how far you have come in your academic journey. As part of the FNU family, we take pride in your transformation into well-rounded individuals. You are not just graduates; you are ambassadors of FNU, poised to contribute to societal betterment,” Mr Karavaki said.

He added the education imparted there would not only equip the graduates with professional success but also instill values such as integrity, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said she was proud of the success of the graduates of the two colleges.

“Today, as I stand before, I am not just your Vice-Chancellor, but I am also very proud, Fijian, I am humbled and honoured to share your day today,” Professor Nabobo-Baba said.

“Fiji National University can only believe further in you and the way we will develop as the national university, we are the biggest in the South Pacific. There will be about 32,000 to 35,000 students by the end of the year. We are the only real dual-sector university, half of us are doing TVET, and half are in higher education.”

Raymond Aluesi Ravatu.

Raymond Aluesi Ravatu, a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Fiji National University’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, aspires to be part of the solution to climate change.

“I am proud of my achievement, and I am looking forward to working in the real world. I have high hopes for the future to do well with the qualification that I obtained from FNU,” he said.

“Forestry plays a key role in the environmental aspect because our main goal is to mitigate climate change, which is the situation we are facing now.

“We need to tackle the issue of climate change and create a sustainable environment for all of us in Fiji.”

A total of 1592 students will graduate at the four graduation ceremonies in the central and northern divisions, with 861 of these being female.