114 students graduated from the Sangam College of Nursing, including 100 with Bachelor of Nursing Science degrees and 14 with Postgraduate Diplomas in Midwifery.
Chairman of Sangam College of Nursing, Amraiya Naidu highlights the institution’s major achievements, ongoing developments and future plans while celebrating a milestone graduation ceremony.
He says the 100 Bachelor of Nursing Science graduates and 14 Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery graduates recognised today included midwifery students who were selected and sponsored by the Ministry of Health.
To support nurses wanting to upgrade their qualifications, he shares that the college introduced a bridging programme which enabled 755 diploma-qualified nurses to attain degree status through blended learning delivered across Fiji.
Naidu says that the college has also expanded its training portfolio, graduating 181 midwives, 35 nurses with postgraduate diplomas in Nursing Leadership and Management, 60 in Child Health Nursing, 28 enrolled nurses, 19 nurse practitioners and 203 with the National Certificate in Aged and Community Care.
He highlights that currently, 75 nurses are enrolled in cycle 2 of the postgraduate leadership programme.
Naidu confirms that approval has been granted for a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Nursing, which is expected to begin next year.
He says the college has also partnered with TAFE Queensland to deliver the Australian Certificate III in Individual Support.
He says this follows a successful record where 55 Sangam-trained aged-care graduates secured employment in Australia under the PALM scheme.
The chairman also announces investments of $163,264 for IT infrastructure and $71,375 for library and e-book upgrades, saying these are essential for modern teaching and learning.
Naidu acknowledges the coalition government for allocating $1 million in the 2024/2025 National Budget for the construction of a new 194-seat lecture theatre, which has now been completed.
He also acknowledges the $545,939.51 grant from the Higher Education Commission Fiji, saying this is a significant increase from the $114,411 previously received annually.
Naidu says the college’s early diploma programme graduated 445 nurses before the launch of the Bachelor of Nursing Science in 2013.
He adds that since then, 927 nurses have completed the degree programme.
He thanked academic and support staff for their commitment, saying they continue to deliver quality nursing education while instilling professionalism, compassion and human values.
Naidu acknowledges the determination of the graduating cohort, noting that 119 students began their studies in 2023, with 100 completing their programme.
Naidu welcomed guests and acknowledged the founding father of TISI Sangam, Sadhu Pupuswamy, who established the organisation in 1926.
He reminds attendees that Sangam will mark its centennial celebration next year, honouring the vision of its pioneers whose work laid the foundation for the education network that exists today.
He says Sangam now operates 21 early childhood centres, 21 primary schools, five secondary schools and the tertiary-level Sangam College of Nursing, which was established in 2005.
Naidu encouraged graduates by quoting Mahatma Gandhi, urging them to uphold Sangam’s values, stay united, and continue supporting one another as they step into the workforce.
Insert: Naidu 10th Dec PT
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