991 women graduate in recent FNU graduation

Nearly 1000 women graduated from Fiji National University this week, marking a major milestone not only for the institution but for young women pushing into careers once dominated by men.

Out of 1906 graduates at the three-day graduation ceremony held at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva, 991 were women.

Among them was Dr Sereima Baleisomi, who graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Education.

The graduation figures showed strong female representation across all three days of ceremonies, including in technical and maritime programmes traditionally dominated by men.

On Day One, 444 women graduated out of 664 students. Day Two saw 374 female graduates out of 531, while 173 women graduated on Day Three from a total of 711 students.

The final day featured graduates from the College of Engineering, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, the National Training and Productivity Centre, and the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies.

A highlight of the ceremony was the graduation of 77 apprentices under the NTPC programme.

Chief guest and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka praised the growing importance of technical and vocational education.

“Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is no longer viewed as a secondary pathway to success. It is now a strategic pillar of national development and economic resilience,” Mr Gavoka said.

He said Fiji’s future depended on skilled professionals capable of driving innovation and national development.

“Fiji's future will be built by skilled professionals, by engineers, technicians, seafarers, innovators, and problem-solvers, individuals capable of driving industry, strengthening infrastructure, and contributing meaningfully to national progress and sustainable development,” he said.

FNU vice-chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said it was encouraging to see more women entering engineering, technical and maritime fields.

“You did not turn away when you saw that you were outnumbered. Instead, you stood your ground and proved that if others can do it, so can you,” Professor Nabobo-Baba said.

“In doing so, you are breaking barriers and paving the way for those who will follow.”

Among those graduates was 23-year-old Varitema Giblin Rokovesa Drauna from Nailaga, Ba, who became one of only six women to graduate from the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies with a Diploma in Nautical Science.

For Varitema, the achievement carried deep personal meaning, shaped by the support of her mother and grandparents.

“I want young women to know that the ocean is not a boundary, it is a pathway,” she said.

“If you are willing to learn, stay disciplined, and trust the process, there is space for you in every bridge, every chart room, and every voyage.”

“This journey was not easy, but every challenge taught me resilience. I hope my achievement shows other girls that maritime careers are possible, and they should never limit themselves based on tradition or expectation.”

FNU Chancellor and Council chair Dr Alisi Talatoka Vudiniabola said the university remained focused on preparing a skilled workforce for Fiji’s future through practical education, technical training and industry partnerships.

The university also confirmed that only one student graduated with a Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Avionics) Level 4 from the Pacific Centre for Aviation Studies.