Character and discipline matter more than just qualifications, QVS cadets told

Qualifications alone will not be enough to prepare Fiji's next generation of leaders, Director of the Higher Education Commission Fiji Dr Eci Naisele warned as he challenged Queen Victoria School cadets to let discipline and character define their future.

Speaking as chief guest at the Queen Victoria School Cadet Corps Passing Out Parade, Dr Naisele said the ceremony celebrated more than marching and military drills.

"Today is a celebration of character. Today is a celebration of discipline. Today is a celebration of young people who have chosen to push themselves beyond comfort in pursuit of excellence," he said.

Dr Naisele said Queen Victoria School had a long history of producing leaders in government, education, business, the military, churches and communities, and urged the cadets to continue that legacy.

He also praised the school's recent achievements, including its strong academic performance, investment in digital learning and reclaiming the Coca-Cola Games boys' title after more than three decades.

"These achievements remind us that true excellence is never accidental. It is built one choice at a time, one lesson at a time and one disciplined day after another," he said.

Dr Naisele said cadet training was about much more than uniforms and parade drills.

"Cadet training is not about learning how to march. It is about learning how to stand – stand for what is right, stand for your school, stand for your family and stand for your nation."

He said Fiji's young people were growing up in a rapidly changing world shaped by technology and social media while facing increasing challenges such as substance abuse, cybercrime, violence, mental health struggles and a decline in respect for others.

"In such a world, qualifications alone will never be enough. The future belongs to people with both competence and character," he said.

Dr Naisele told the cadets that discipline would become their greatest advantage regardless of the careers they pursued, whether as doctors, teachers, engineers, lawyers, police officers, soldiers, business owners or university students.

"Discipline will always outperform talent that lacks commitment," he said.

He encouraged the cadets to uphold the values of honesty, respect, humility and service long after they left school.

"Leadership is never about being the loudest person in the room. Leadership is about being the person others can trust when times become difficult. That is the kind of leader Fiji needs," he said.