Fiji National University (FNU) launched its three-day graduation ceremony at the Vodafone Arena, marking a monumental event for hundreds of students. This year’s celebration is particularly significant as it recognizes the university’s first-ever December conferral of four PhD graduates.
The newly minted doctoral graduates represent a range of disciplines, including Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies; Engineering and Technical Vocational Education; and Humanities, Education, and Law. Their accomplishments are a testament to the growth of FNU’s research initiatives and its commitment to nurturing local talent.
Former sevens rugby star Waisale Serevi addressed the graduates, sharing valuable insights, stating, “education is not only what you know, it is who you become.” He urged the attendees to intertwine modern education with traditional knowledge as they face the complexities of today’s world.
Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, FNU’s vice-chancellor, expressed her pride in the graduates’ achievements, emphasizing how their success enhances Fiji’s human capital. For many students, graduation is not merely a conclusion but a hopeful new beginning, as they prepare to make impactful contributions to their communities and the nation moving forward. This event not only celebrates personal milestones but also signifies a broader commitment to the development of Fiji’s society and economy through educated leadership.