Permanent Secretary for Education, Heritage and Arts, Iowane Tiko told the students at the University of the South Pacific Open Day at Subrail Park yesterday to choose a career that is useful, in demand and needed.

“You are not the only one wanting a degree, there are also tens of thousands of other people out there chasing the same thing,” Mr Tiko said.

“You now have to compete with them to grab one of the limited number of positions available and if you choose a diploma or degree with very little demand, it will be even tougher to land a job,” he said.

“What I am saying is when the going gets tough; you will need to put your career above your happiness and whatever it is you love to do.

“Therefore, students study hard to perform your best; burn that midnight oil to qualify and aspire for your tertiary studies.

University of the South Pacific School of Engineering and Physics lecturer Sumesh Narayan (left), showing the chief guest Permanent Secretary for Education, Heritage and Arts IowaneTiko the line following robot during the University of the South Pacific Open Day at Subrail Park in Labasa on July 28, 2017. Photo: Shratika Singh

“Making the right career choice is an important decision because it has an impact on the rest of one’s life.

“I am very happy to note that South Taveuni Secondary School is the furthest school that travelled across the island to be here for this open day.

“USP Labasa campus officially began its operation in March 2000 and has expanded over the years with 23 exam centres around Vanua Levu and Taveuni,”

Approximately 3000 students enroll yearly which includes students from Taveuni, Rabi and other outer islands.

Kaliova Vuki, a Year 12 student of Uluivalili College in Cakaudrove Province, said he was excited to collect information about new programmes as he intends to pursue studies at USP.

“It took us two and half hours bus ride from our school to reach Labasa for this open day,” Kaliova said.

“Such an open day helps students especially those who come from rural areas.”

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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