Proud two-time gold medalist, Farzana Farnaz Begum.

The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, and Acting Minister for Education, Honourable Rosy Akbar was pleased to note the high number of female graduates during the Fiji National University’s (FNU) graduation ceremony at the Vodafone arena in Suva today.

Hon Akbar officiated as Chief Guest at the graduation ceremony for FNU’s College of Humanities and Education (CHE) and College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS).

“I commend the graduands, as I note that a higher number of females will be graduating today; it makes me always happy when you see women progressing,” she said.

“This year, we have witnessed a total of 896 female graduates and 839 male graduates from the Fiji National University. The number shows that more females are joining the workforce.”

Hon Akbar has been instrumental in leading government policy formulation and implementation on critical issues related to health, women empowerment, child protection, poverty alleviation and education.

A total of 634 students graduated from the two College’s during the last of three graduation events hosted by the University this month. The final batch included 186 Postgraduate, 389 undergraduate and 59 Diploma and Certificate graduates.

Hon Akbar further highlighted that education played a key role transforming livelihoods.

“When a student graduates, the family graduates and the community graduates to another level of advancement as part of a knowledge-based society,” she said.

CHE graduate and proud two-time gold medallist, Farzana Farnaz Begum said with resilience, faith and hard work, her academic dreams become a reality.

The 30-year-old was honoured with a gold medal in the Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme.

“Dreams do come true. I have achieved a gold medal at FNU twice in my life. The first was in 2011 when I graduated as a teacher and again this year,” Begum said.

From Wailailai, Ba, Begum considers teaching to be one of the most important professions.

“Learning at FNU has been a great experience. It provides excellent services to its students in terms of facilities and resources. Lecturers are very kind and friendly with vast knowledge and great teaching skills. FNU is highly recommended and one of the best universities in Fiji,” she said.

Begum aspires to be a lecturer at FNU in the next five years.

FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lyn Karstadt reminded the graduates that FNU would remain an integral part of their lives, and they would always be part of the institution.

“Today is the start of a new relationship between you and Fiji National University. You have become a member of our alumni family, joining individuals who have graduated before you,” Prof Karstadt said.

“We sincerely hope that you will keep in touch with us. Today you join our alumni network that will bring benefit to you in your life and career if you choose to get involved, and I hope that you do.”

A total of 1734 FNU students graduated during three graduation ceremonies scheduled over the course of two days.

294 FNU graduates received postgraduate qualifications, 712 at undergraduate level and 728 graduated with a Diploma or Certificate.