HE PRESIDENT RATU WILIAME KATONIVERE'S ADDRESS AT THE FNU 2024 COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES & EDUCATION GRADUATION

Honourable Representatives of the Government of Fiji; 
Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps;
The Chancellor and Chairperson of the Fiji National University Council, Mr Semesa Karaki;
The Deputy Chairperson of the FNU Council, Dr Alisi Talatoka Vudiniabola;
Members of the FNU Council; 
The Vice‐Chancellor of the Fiji National University; Professor Unaisi Nabobo‐Baba;
Members of the FNU Senior Leadership Team;
Distinguished Guests and sponsors; 
Graduands, Family Members;
Ladies and Gentlemen; and 
Members of the Media.
 
Ni sa bula vinaka, Miau sa bula re and a very good morning to you all.
 
It is indeed an honour to address you on this auspicious occasion on the first session of the 2024 April graduating cohort of the Fiji National University. I am equally delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of all the graduands of FNU present here this morning.

I also acknowledge, the graduands across FNU Colleges and Centers, including Labasa, who will receive their academic awards during the April graduating ceremonies. To you all – I say CONGRATULATIONS! You have reached the pinnacle of this stage of your academic journey. As your Head of State, I am immensely proud to witness this milestone moment in your career progression.
 
Your gown, your cap, and your validated certificate, are a reflection of your mental, physical and spiritual investment towards your professional journey. We may not be fully aware of the challenges you have endured, but I assure you, your resilience and perseverance precede you. 

Without a doubt, you will cherish the friendships that you have cultivated and shared along the way. It is these nurtured friendships that come through during your work life, and remain as part of your professional network. 
 
Graduands, your success, is largely the result of everyone that has supported your academic journey. It would be remiss of you and me to not acknowledge the people behind your journey. Allow me this opportunity to say Vinaka Vakalevuto everyone, who supported you in your journey – your parents, guardians, spouses, sponsors, mentors, the teaching faculty of your College, and family members, including your children and close friends.
 
Respective families and support groups that have been pillars of strength and biggest cheerleaders throughout the respective journeys of the graduands, I am certain that all the graduands acknowledge and value your support and indispensable guidance. 
 
Ladies and gentlemen, and graduands, I am informed that over the four days of ceremonies in Suva and in Labasa, commencing today the 16th of April through to the 24th of April, an accumulative 1,592 students across Colleges and Centres, will graduate.  Of this number, 860 are females and 730 males. Today, a total of 590 students from the College of Humanities and Education are graduating. Out of this number, 422 are females and 168 male graduands. [Please give yourselves a round of applause]
 
Today’s graduation ceremony is distinct and a historical moment, not only for FNU, but for our nation. I say historical because we will also witness, today, the first local female Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) recipient of the Fiji National University. Dr. Jasmine Hussain, your accomplishment is not only a milestone for FNU, but for our nation. Your journey represents the spirit of resilience and will certainly be a beacon of inspiration for all girls and women out there that are also making a name for themselves. Congratulations once again!
 
Graduands, knowledge is empowerment. Take ownership of your acquired expertise. Knowledge comes, also, with responsibilities. While you now have the opportunity to participate in the transformation of our nation’s educational landscape, I urge you to use your education for the betterment of your communities, your villages and our nation. 
 
I am pleased to note the growing number of female graduates that the Fiji National University continues to produce. It is truly an inspiration. Women continue to break barriers and stereotypes across the board, and I have no doubt that the number of women graduates from FNU will continue to increase. This is not to undermine us men, however it is to motivate and equally challenge us. The numbers, also, are indeed a motivation to school-age girls to be a part of the FNU academia. 
 
Education is a powerful tool that, if used appropriately, can propel our people, our communities, and our nation towards a heightened awareness and a common goal of a united and learned population. Education remains a national priority with Government, and it will continue to support education, at all levels.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, since the establishment of the Fiji National University in 2010, the institution has, produced a plethora of graduates, who now excel in their various fields of expertise. As one of three universities in Fiji, FNU is committed to fulfil the national and regional demands for a skilled workforce. FNU is achieving this through its own learning, teaching, and research as well as through regional and global collaborations.
 
The Fiji National University’s work programme strongly aligns with our nation’s National Development Plan, as well as Government’s Look-North Policy. On this front, I am pleased to note that representatives of the University recently met with the Cakaudrove Provincial Council in Taveuni to embark on its educational endeavours.
 
FNU’s presence not only signifies a strategic effort to strengthen ties with the people in the North, it reaffirms, also, its commitment to serving communities residing outside of Viti Levu. The redevelopment of the Naiyaca Campus represents a significant progress in providing quality educational opportunities to the people of Macuata, Bua, Cakaudrove provinces, and beyond.
 
This demonstrates FNU’s dedication in making higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training or TVET more accessible and aligning our efforts with Government’s commitment to equitable resource distribution. Allow me to briefly talk on FNU’s TVET programme as it equips individuals with practical skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary for employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods. By offering a diverse range of vocational courses and hands-on training, TVET institutions cater to the diverse needs of learners, empowering them to pursue careers in fields such as engineering, healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, and information technology.
 
Additionally, TVET fosters inclusivity and social equity by providing alternative pathways to education and employment for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including marginalized groups and those with varying abilities.This is enabled through flexible learning opportunities, and simultaneously promoting lifelong learning.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, each year FNU’s College of Humanities and Education produces the highest number of teachers. To that, we are immensely grateful. To the 2024 graduand cohort of the College of Humanities and Education, and to all graduands in upcoming graduation ceremonies in Suva and Labasa, each assignment completed, each exam taken, and the countless hours of study have brought you to this pivotal moment.
 
As you step forward into the next chapter of your professional life, equipped with new-found knowledge and expertise, I wish to instil in you the thought that learning does not end when you exit the walkways of FNU. While you may have obtained your academic achievements, the learning process continues into your respective spheres. 
 
I urge you to embrace new opportunities and adapt to the evolving philosophies and trends in your respective areas.Your education at the Fiji National University has equipped you to bring positive changes to, firstly, your personal development, and outward to your communities, your families, and to the nation.
 
I would like to share a quote from the late statesman Nelson Mandela – “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I look at you and I see leaders. I see change-makers. Make informed decisions to create a more improved and inclusive environment. 
 
To the parents, guardians and families gathered here, your support and encouragement have been the bedrock upon which your graduating family members have built their academic success. Today is a celebration of your sacrifices and unwavering belief in the power of education. For that, I salute you. 
 
Once again, on behalf of all citizens, I, extend a warm and heartfelt congratulations to all graduands. 
 
May God continue to bless you and our nation. 
 
Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank You.