A total of 991 women out of the 1,906 graduates have graduated from the Fiji National University following the conclusion of the three-day graduation ceremony held at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva, marking a significant milestone achievement for the University.
FNU says 991 women included a PhD graduate, Dr Sereima Baleisomi, who graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Education.
They say on Monday, 664 students graduated, of which 444 were females, while yesterday, 531 students graduated, of whom 374 were females, and today, 711 students graduated, of whom 173 were females.
FNU says the graduation ceremony concluded today with students from the College of Engineering, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CETVET), the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC), and the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies (PCMS).
They say a key highlight of the day was the graduation of 77 students from the apprenticeship programme under NTPC.
Chief Guest and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, commended the University’s continued role in national development, saying Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is no longer viewed as a secondary pathway to success.
Gavoka says it is now a strategic pillar of national development and economic resilience.
He says that in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven world, national strength depends not only on academic excellence but also on technical expertise, innovation, and practical skills.
The Minister says Fiji's future will be built by skilled professionals, engineers, technicians, seafarers, innovators, and problem-solvers, individuals capable of driving industry, strengthening infrastructure, and contributing meaningfully to national progress and sustainable development.
FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, says it is encouraging to see strong female representation in traditionally male-dominated fields, particularly within the College of Engineering and Technical Vocational Education and Training (CETVET) and the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies (PCMS).
Professor Nabobo-Baba says they did not turn away when they saw that they were outnumbered; instead, they stood their ground and proved that if others can do it, so can they.
The Vice-Chancellor says that in doing so, they are breaking barriers and paving the way for those who will follow.
FNU Chancellor and Council Chair, Dr Alisi Talatoka Vudiniabola, emphasised the importance of skilled professionals in Fiji’s development, saying at FNU they remain deeply committed to supporting the priorities outlined in Fiji’s National Development Plan and their own Strategic Plan 2024–2026 by strengthening workforce capability, improving productivity, advancing innovation, and ensuring that Fiji has a skilled and future-ready labour force.
Dr Vudiniabola says through practical education, industry partnerships, research, and technical training, FNU continues to play a critical role in helping Fiji build a more resilient, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future.
FNU says among the graduates was 23-year-old Varitema Giblin Rokovesa Drauna from Nailaga, Ba, who was one of six females to graduate from PCMS with a Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 5).
Drauna says her journey to graduation was shaped by the unwavering love and support of her family, particularly her mother and grandparents, to whom she dedicates her achievement.
She expressed pride in her milestone and shared words of encouragement for other young women aspiring to enter maritime fields, saying that the ocean is not a boundary, it is a pathway.
She says if they are willing to learn, stay disciplined, and trust the process, there is space for women in every bridge, chart room, and every voyage.
FNU says only 1 student graduated with a Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Avionics) (Level 4) from FNU’s Pacific Centre for Aviation Studies.
The Fiji National University continues to graduate students equipped with the skills, knowledge, and practical training required to meet Fiji’s evolving workforce needs across all sectors.
