Cousins Cecil Buke Neko (left) and Phillip Chite (right) are ready to head back home with academic spoils.
Philip Jerry Chite and Cecil Bule Neko, who are first cousins from the Solomon Islands, embarked on a journey for academic advancement at the Fiji National University (FNU) over four years ago.
Their pursuit has led to notable achievements. Chite graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) with Honours and Neko graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics/Instrumentation and Control) with Honours from FNU’s, College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST).
Pursuing their programmes away from home was due to the absence of adequate educational facilities and programmes in their field of interest back home. “We chose to pursue our engineering degrees at FNU because we do not have well established engineering schools for Bachelor’s programme in the Solomon Islands,” said Chite.
“FNU provided the platform, resources, and technical expertise to assist in our learning.”
Neko’s interest in electronics stemmed from its relevance and growth in the Solomon Islands.
“Electronics is a new technology thriving in my country, and I wanted to learn as much as I could to contribute to the advancement and development of technology in the Solomon Islands,” said Neko.
Speaking at the FNU graduation, the cousins highlighted their excitement at returning home with their spoils after four to five years of hard work and determination in a place they called ‘home away from home.”
Despite being in a new country, the cousins stated that they enjoyed their stay and studies, attributing it to new experiences, new challenges, new friendships, resourceful and accommodating lecturers, and the support of their relatives in Fiji.
The cousins commended FNU for the learning experiences, resources, and accommodating lecturers that provided the enabling environment for them to complete their studies successfully.
They dedicated their achievements to their God, their families back home, and their support network in Fiji and Solomon Island Government for sponsorship.
Click here to watch their graduation testimonial.
Apply Now
Interested students can apply now for Semester 1, 2024 studies via the FNU website at https://www.fnu.ac.fj/student/ or by email at admission@fnu.ac.fj
For further information or queries, students can also text (toll-free) to 857 for Vodafone and Inkk users.
Alternatively, applicants can visit our Koronivia, Nasinu, Derrick, School of Nursing, Namaka, Natabua, Ba and Labasa campuses to submit applications.
FNU Roadshow
New and returning students, as well as parents and guardians, can visit our FNU Roadshow booth at the Max Value Supermarket carpark in Nausori this Saturday, 13 January 2024 to receive academic counselling, submit applications, receive information on programme and entry requirements and those eligible can also receive offer letters.