The Fijian Government Prime Minister, Honourable Voreqe Bainimarama commended the Fiji National University (FNU) for hosting its annual Open Day for the benefit of students who wish to pursue tertiary education.

The Prime Minister made his comments during his surprise visit to the FNU Nasinu Campus Open Day yesterday.

Over 10,000 high school students and other visitors attended Day 1 of the FNU Open Day at the Nasinu Campus, Natabua Campus and Naduna campuses.

The Honourable Prime Minister said the University had organised a great Open Day event to inform and help students make better decisions in their academic career.

“After seeing the photos of the students on social media, I decided to come and have a look. The presentations were very nice. It was wonderful to go around and look at the display by the FNU students,” he said.

“My message to the high school students is to work hard.”

FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Lyn Karstadt explaining Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at the display booth at the FNU Open Day Nasinu Campus yesterday. Photo : FNU

Schools from the Central, Western and Northern Divisions were able to attend the FNU Open Day and learn first-hand of the programmes, campus life and student support available.

Fijians also made use of the free bus services provided to transport them to FNU and back.

Fiji National University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lyn Karstadt said the students enjoyed the Open Day as they were able to actively participate in the model designs and activities.

“I am sure they were all looking forward to this day, to make plans with their friends, and I am glad we were able to showcase what FNU can offer,” Professor Karstadt said.

“I know that not all of them could become doctors, engineers, accountants, or economists. However, this isn’t the end of the world! We informed them about our TVET programmes available where they can excel in trade and skills-based industries such as engineering, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, mining, mechanical and other sectors.”

“FNU has unrivalled experience and a proven track-record of delivering TVET aligned to labour market needs. We continue to strengthen our learning and teaching through the international accreditation of programmes, investing in our staff and enhancing our campuses and facilities.”

The Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Dr Mahendra Reddy, who was the Chief Guest at the Open Day and the Closing of the Sustainability Week, said he was happy with FNU’s investment in infrastructure that would contribute towards students’ learning.

Students at the FNU Open Day at Nasinu Campus yesterday. Photo : FNU

“It is crucial that institutions such as FNU—which is our national university—come on board and support the Fijian Government in providing for a more sustainable and resilient future,” he said.

“I am happy to note that FNU is supporting the government’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to developing cost-effective, scalable solutions aimed at sustainability, resilience, and climate change adaptation.”

Marist Champagnat Institute PEMAC Teacher, Ritesh Prasad, said FNU’s Open Day would assist the students in their learning.

“Our students were really excited about the Open Day as they got to learn a lot of things. It was an educational event. It would help them choose their courses well in the future with FNU,” he said.

“We will also guide students to make a good choice while choosing from a variety of programmes from FNU.”

FNU’s Virtual Open Day will take place from October 26-28.

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