Financial struggles growing up failed to deter determined scholar

Financial hardship in his childhood did not stop Nehoray Azan Al-Nazhir from pursuing excellence, rising from a Caubati informal settlement to earn the top master’s thesis award in Japan.

In 2025, he graduated from Toyo University in Tokyo with a Master’s degree in Regional Development Studies and received the Best Master’s Thesis Award — the highest academic distinction within the Graduate School of Global and Regional Studies.

Born in Labasa, Mr Al-Nazhir’s early years were shaped by hardship. After family disputes, his parents moved to an informal settlement in Caubati, Nasinu — one of the most densely populated informal communities in the area.

He was in Year 3 at the time.

“My family faced several financial hardships. I was given only 20 cents as pocket money,” Mr Al-Nazhir said.

His father later suffered two heart attacks and battled arthritis, making it difficult to maintain steady employment. The financial pressure deepened during his years at DAV College.

“There were times my family considered pulling me out of school so I could work,” he said.

Determined to stay in school, he took up weekend jobs selling fish, pineapples, watermelons and oranges, earning about $30.

“It wasn’t much, but it was enough to sustain me.”

Balancing work and study affected his performance, and his grades slipped. However, he passed Year 12 and progressed to Year 13.

“I significantly improved my academic performance in Year 13. I wanted to become a doctor, but due to high competition, I was unable to secure a place in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programme.”

Instead, he enrolled in Environmental Health — a decision that reshaped his ambitions.

“I began to realise the importance of prevention over cure. I understood how much impact a clean and healthy environment has on a person’s health.”

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental health from Fiji National University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and began his professional journey in municipal health services.

In 2023, his commitment earned him the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) “Leaders for Clean Cities” scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Japan.

“I remain committed to developing practical and inclusive solutions to address environmental and public health challenges,” he said.

From surviving on 20 cents pocket money to earning global academic recognition, Mr Al-Nazhir’s journey reflects the power of perseverance over circumstance.