First-year students at the FNU Orientation Programme at Nasinu Campus yesterday.

Albert Prasad was one of the first faces to enter the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences’ (CMNHS) Orientation Programme at the Tamavua Campus today.

The 19-year-old, who is pursuing his studies in the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science programme, was excited about familiarising himself with the campus and college staff during the session.

Prasad’s brother is currently enrolled in the graphics programme and his sister is studying human resource management at FNU. His father is also a lecturer at the College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) based at the Derrick Campus.

Albert Prasad

“I am excited to have joined the Fiji National University, as I have heard a lot from my siblings who are pursuing their studies at the University. I have observed that FNU provides great facilities and an amazing learning environment,” he proudly said.

“Medical Laboratory Science is an interesting programme and I have been fascinated with the career path as I like exploring new things and becoming a lab scientist. I have seen how important medical laboratory is, which was emphasised during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

First-year students took full advantage of the event to gain insight into their learning experience at the Fiji National University through different presentations informing them of the students’ services they can access whilst studying.

Amongst the students were four friends, Chaestha Lal, Nikhil Nandan, Nikhil Nand, and Ayush Singh, in their matching bula attire.

Chaestha and Nandan are undertaking the Bachelor of Nursing programme, while Nand and Ayush will be studying Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.

First-year students Nikhil Nand, Nikhil Nandan, Chaestha Lal and Ayush Singh at College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) Orientation Programme.

“We have been friends for five years, and our friendship started while studying at Labasa College,” Lal said.

“We are excited to join FNU to pursue our tertiary studies and we will support each other in our learning.”

Parents also flocked to the Orientation in support of their children, who are beginning a new chapter in their tertiary studies.

College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences (CMNHS) Dean, Dr William May commended the students who worked hard to be part of the oldest medical institute in the country.

“Today, you enjoy the hard work put in by the alumni in the past. You must be proud of yourself, and your parents must be proud of you,” Dr May said.

“We are very proud of you. You will be joining the hundreds and thousands of alumni across the Pacific – only if you are focused, work hard, complete and achieve your dream, and become part of the colourful history of the institute.”

FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lyn Karstadt added that FNU will help the students turn their academic dreams into reality.

“Our commitment at FNU is to ensure that you acquire the technical, vocational, academic, transferable, and life skills needed so that you fulfill your own potential, and create a better future for Fiji, the Pacific, and the world,” Prof Karstadt said.

“As first-year students, you have joined our FNU community of staff and students and will begin studies amongst your local, regional and international peers.”

FNU’s College of Engineering, Science, and Technology (CEST) will host its Orientation Programme at the Derrick Campus in Samabula while the College of Humanities and Education (CHE) will also conduct its session at Natabua Campus in Lautoka tomorrow from 9:30AM.