Alex Kumar (3rd from right) with friends at the CEST orientation session.

The cloudy Suva weather failed to dampen the spirits of first-year College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) students as they crowded the MB Hall at Fiji National University’s (FNU) Derrick Campus in Samabula to be part of the Orientation session this morning.

The freshers, some accompanied by their parents and guardians, patiently listened to the presenters during the interactive two-hour session.

FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Toby Wilkinson welcomed the students and assured them that while it may be a day full of nerves for many of the students, tertiary studies was a normal transition in their learning journey.

He added that the University’s academic, student support and professional services were readily available to assist the students with their courses, fees and accommodation arrangements.

Prof Wilkinson encouraged the students to perform to their best in the various fields of Science, Engineering and Technology fields they were, as they were studying at a time when COVID-19 influenced the world of learning.

“The e-economy and delivery of e-services have leapt ahead, creating opportunities for young people to shape a new future,” he said.

“Many of today’s jobs – in medicine, the professions, even in teaching – will, in the future, be done by machines. But there will always be a need for intelligent, adaptable, skilled people to programme those machines.”

“University is not just about providing you with the skills for today’s jobs; it is also about training you how to think so that you are ready for the future.”

Prof Wilkinson challenged the students to be innovative and be solution providers to national issues such as climate change.

“We know that we have to adapt our lives, our communities, our businesses, our infrastructure to deal with the effects of climate change. We also have to advocate for global action,” he stated.

“The good news is that your generation is the world’s conscience. You care about the environment, about protecting this precious planet we all call home. You are leading the calls for action. And you have the creativity and passion to make a difference.”

The students were also provided brief presentations on the various learning and teaching services available to them and were taken on campus tours.

Nineteen-year-old Alex Kumar was one of the hundreds of students who made it a point not to miss the Orientation session.

The former AD Patel College in Ba student is enrolled in the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) in Industrial Arts programme.

“I learnt about this programme through the FNU website and knew I wanted to pursue this course as I had an interest in Industrial Arts from high school,” he said.

“I believe that if you’re passionate about something you should make it a goal and strive towards it.”

Kumar said he was pleased to note that the programme was also part of the Fijian Government’s national priority areas and has also applied for the Tertiary Education Loans Scheme (TELS).

Katarina Caginitoba.

Another student, Katarina Caginitoba, attentively listened to the Vice-Chancellor’s speech and was eager to see the workshop she would be learning in during her Certificate IV in Manufacturing Engineering studies.

Caginitoba said she decided to pursue a trade programme as she knew the demand for trade specialists in the workforce.

“I was doing my research on what options I had at FNU and I was drawn to this course. I also have a cousin that undertook this course earlier and helped me with the application process,” the 22-year-old said.

“I know there is also a demand for trade specialists and I am eager to complete my studies and contribute my skills and knowledge to the company I would work for.”

A similar Orientation session will be held this afternoon at Nabua Campus.

Interested students can still apply for Semester 1 studies at FNU. Those who have received their Offer Letter can complete their enrolment process online or visit the nearest FNU campus.