The Fiji National University (FNU) hosted an awards function at the Nasinu Campus this week for its 2020 and 2021 gold medalists and special prize recipients.
FNU Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr William May congratulated the 10 students for their achievement and for completing their courses amidst a global pandemic.
“Not only did you identify, undergo and successfully complete studies in your field of interest at FNU, but you have also managed to do so at the top of your respective classes in the December 2020 and August 2021 graduating students. This certainly gives you an extra reason to celebrate your graduation,” Dr May said.
“You certainly deserve to celebrate this day as it is a significant step in your education and career progression. It is also a reflection of your years of hard work, dedication, ambition commitment and sacrifices.
“This is certainly no small feat, as many of you have had to navigate through online and remote learning and teaching due to the pandemic. We at FNU are equally as proud as your parents, families, friends, and support systems for playing a role in your academic success.”
Dr May said the University would continue a vibrant, exciting, and enabling environment, with its courses, support services and campus life initiatives aligned to the University’s Strategic Plan 2021-206 and Sustainability Plan 2021-2026.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor also acknowledge the Fijian Government for its continued support towards tertiary education through the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme (TELS) and National Toppers Scheme (NTS).
“In addition, the Government’s National Budget for the 2021–2022 financial year included two major announcements to support Technical and Vocational Education and Training – TVET. The first is the 5000 new funded places for TVET courses at FNU through the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS). The second is an allocation of $1 million through the Re-skilling Fund to enable FNU to re-skill individuals who lost their employment since the start of the pandemic.
“With support from the Government, our education and industry partners as well as the University’s academic and support staff, we are committed to providing programmes that are future-focused, entrepreneurial and innovative.”
He encouraged the graduates to excel in their workplaces and be confident to embark on entrepreneurial ventures.
“Always remember that soft skills are equally as important as your qualifications.
“Be punctual, honest and adaptable. Be a creative and dedicated team player who can problem solve and manage their time wisely. Be compassionate, kind and always open to learning.”
FNU Registrar Sarita Devi also congratulated the recipients for their perseverance and dedication to their studies.
“You also deserve the extra commendation for attaining either the gold medal or special prize award today,” she said.
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting graduate Sheikh Ali Tanzil said he was honoured to receive the Office of the Auditor General (Fiji) Prize for Best Postgraduate Auditing Student for the December 2020 graduating class.
“As a graduate and an awardee of this prestigious University, I am overwhelmed with the quality of education that Fiji National University is renowned for providing as its curriculum is tailored to meet the demands of the 21st century,” Tanzil said.
“My heartiest thanks go to the University for recognising our immense dedication, hard work and commitment towards our studies. Indeed, we will treasure this moment all of our life. It is events like this that motivates the students and brings out the best in students’ academic performance.”
