“The ability to set goals define success, and all successful people have clearly defined goals. This gives their life power, purpose and a sense of direction.”
These were the words of encouragement shared by Digicel’s Regional Chief Executive Officer Shally Jannif with 348 new graduates from the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) yesterday.
“Remember that in every successful story, the longest chapter is determination. While success demands many things from us, willpower and determination always come on top of the list,” Jannif said.
“As new graduates, you are empowered to take everything essential and important and apply it with passion and confidence in whatever you choose to do next.”
The senior executive commended the University on its commitment towards providing quality education and training to Fijians as well as those in the Pacific region.
“I know education doesn’t come cheap and I am aware of the challenges of being able to afford this level of achievement. Our government in recent times, has provided scholarships and tertiary education loan scheme allowing more people access to quality education and realise their dream. FNU has done a lot to make education accessible to every Fijian. You being here, I am certain without question it has been worth every effort,” she said.
The CEST graduation was the third of six graduation ceremonies FNU is hosting this month where students received their certificates, diplomas, degrees, postgraduate diplomas and masters.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Healey said the University is proud to have played a part in the success of the students. He reminded the graduates that the university has provided them with knowledge, skills and competencies to join the labour market and contribute to the economy.
“We have given you the critical thinking skills, the independent research skills and the hunger for learning which will mean that – as the world of work changes during your lifetimes – you can constantly adapt, relearn and reinvent yourselves for what lies ahead,” said the Vice-Chancellor.
With a current student roll of over 5,700, FNU’s College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) provides both Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and higher education programmes in engineering and science.
“The students at CEST undergo hands-on training in almost all the engineering, science and transport disciplines to cater to industry’s needs,” highlighted Professor Healey.
A graduate in Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Civil (Pass) Visham Prasad said the graduation marks the culmination of all his hard work and he is now keen to put his knowledge to good use.
“I am glad I was able to pull it off and I am pleased with my achievements. After years of hard work, the future now looks bright to me and I look forward to entering the workforce,” said Prasad.
33-year-old Diploma in Industrial Laboratory Technology graduate Melinda Thaggard said being a mother of a two-year-old child while also completing her studies came with a lot of challenges.
“Studying until late night and also taking out time for family was not easy for me. However, all these circumstances made me a person I am today. I can’t thank enough my family and friends who have helped me achieve my dreams,” she said.
Meanwhile, two academics from the College of scooped the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s award for research excellence.
A Senior Instructor in the School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Dr Ronesh Sharma was the proud recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence 2019 in the category of Early Career Researcher while Dr Shiu Kumar was given the same recognition in the category of Higher Degree by Research.
Graduate in Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Civil (Pass) Visham Prasad receives his graduation certificate from Regional CEO – Digicel, Shally Jannif.