People across Fiji are expected to benefit from stronger leadership in the public sector after 40 professionals graduated from the Fiji National University's inaugural Executive Public Leadership Course.
The graduates received their postgraduate qualifications during a graduation ceremony at the FNU Nasinu Campus yesterday.
The graduating cohort included 10 officers from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, eight from the Fiji Police Force, two from the Fiji Corrections Service, 10 from Fiji National University, three from the Ministry of Immigration, two from the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, three from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, one from the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar, one from the National Fire Authority, and two officers from the Nevada National Guard.
FNU says the intensive two-week programme was delivered through FNU's Office of Learning and Teaching and the College of Humanities, Education and Law adding was conducted through a partnership between FNU, the Nevada National Guard, the College of Southern Nevada and the United States Embassy in Fiji.
Chief Guest and Department Chair of Business Administration at the College of Southern Nevada, Professor Kevin Raiford who also helped deliver the programme, told graduates that effective public leadership is built on service, accountability and a commitment to lifelong learning.
He encourages the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills they had gained over the past two weeks by returning to their organisations with the confidence to lead positive change and make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba says the graduation reflects the University's commitment to developing leaders who serve with integrity, wisdom and purpose.
Professor Nabobo-Baba says universities exist not only to award qualifications but also to prepare people to think critically, lead ethically and serve society.
She reminds the graduates that leadership would require them to make difficult decisions, navigate uncertainty, solve complex challenges and serve their communities with fairness and compassion.
Professor Nabobo-Baba stresses that leadership is not about titles, rank or authority but about service, integrity, accountability and the ability to inspire others towards a common purpose.
She says the graduates now carry a greater responsibility to lead with humility, courage and conviction, adding that the lessons gained through the programme should be reflected in their daily actions, decision-making and commitment to public service.
Graduate and Acting Superintendent of Police, who is also the Deputy Divisional Police Commander Central, Isireli Ravulolo Ligairi, says the graduating class completed the programme with a shared commitment to becoming better leaders in service of the people.
Ligairi says the course reinforced that leadership is about character, integrity, humility, sound judgement and the ability to inspire others through service.
He says participants also explored emotional intelligence, organisational change, collaborative problem-solving, influence and strategic thinking as practical tools to help address complex challenges within their respective organisations.
Nevada National Guard graduate Lieutenant Colonel Robert Kolvet says the programme reinforced the message that leadership is influence.
He says leadership is a calling and those entrusted to lead have a responsibility to serve those under their command, the people whose lives depend on their decisions, and the future leaders of their organisations and communities.
