Higher education fosters humility and a lack of ego, according to Professor Shaista Shameem, Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji. In her speech delivered during the university’s graduation ceremony at the Saweni Campus in Lautoka, she praised the achievements of 308 students who have reached this significant milestone in their academic journeys.
During the ceremony, 39 students were honored with gold medals in recognition of their exceptional academic performances. Reflecting on the graduates’ accomplishments, Prof Shameem expressed a deep emotional connection, stating, “I draw a deep breath because when I see all the graduates lined up in beautiful clothes, ready to receive your hard-earned certificates from the Chancellor, with your families proudly accompanying you, I feel I am back there amongst you excited and somewhat in wonder, that I finally made it.”
Prof Shameem acknowledged that the journey to graduation is not an easy one, particularly for those who have had to balance work and family commitments alongside their studies. She emphasized the personal growth and challenges faced by students as they adapted to a new environment while forming meaningful friendships and navigating university life.
She highlighted the unique educational approach at the University of Fiji, noting that while the institution may have limited resources, it offers a profound and holistic form of education. “It is not what we teach, in terms of subject areas, at UniFiji, but how we teach it, that is the secret of our success,” she stated, covering various fields including Humanities, Sciences, Technology, Law, Medicine, Languages, Cultures, and Business.
Professor Shameem concluded her address by reminding graduates that privilege should be earned through hard work and dedication, rather than simply given based on academic qualifications. This message of resilience and humility serves as an empowering call to action for the graduates as they step into the next chapters of their lives, equipped with both knowledge and a moral compass.