FNU: Everyone’s University

Bula Vinaka!

I am pleased to write this column for the August edition of the FNUNIKUA. As you may have noticed in our last edition, as well as our social media pages, the FNUNIKUA has been instrumental in informing young people all over Fiji about the latest news and activities at your national university.

This month’s edition is special, as it showcases the world of opportunities that one can explore at the Fiji National University. With the theme, “Passport to Knowledge: New Ventures in Education”, we explore the many achievements of our regional students, as well as our local students who have accomplished great feats across the world.

FNU is no longer confined to Fiji or Fijians, it is everyone’s university! No matter where you are in the world, FNU is your university.

We are a comprehensive university that offers a wide range of programmes across various disciplines, including health sciences, business, engineering, arts, medicine, hospitality, trade courses and more. FNU’s mission is to provide quality education to students all over Fiji, the Pacific region and potentially promote international collaborations and partnerships with people all over the world.

At FNU, we are constantly and consistently striving to provide educational opportunities, exchanges, or projects that aim to broaden students’ horizons by exposing them to different cultures, languages, and academic perspectives.

In a globalised economy, the competition for skilled jobs is fierce. Education at FNU provides individuals with specialised knowledge, skills, and expertise that make them more competitive in the international job market.

Global challenges, such as climate change, public health crisis, and technological advancements, require individuals who can think critically, analyse complex situations, and develop innovative solutions. The education provided by FNU fosters these skills, enabling our graduates to contribute effectively to addressing global issues.

Our ethnically diverse campuses often expose students to diverse cultures, perspectives, and world views. This exposure helps our students develop cultural sensitivity, empathy, and a better understanding of global issues, fostering cooperation and collaboration across borders.

The education we provide plays a crucial role in reducing global inequalities by providing access to quality education and opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. It can empower individuals to overcome barriers and improve their social economic status.

A few highlights on the power of the knowledge and education FNU provides are highlighted below.

Nauru Visit

It was an absolute delight to be able to visit beautiful Nauru and meet with our students and alumni. While in Nauru, I had the pleasure of attending an alumni event with our Alumni Relations Consultant, Fota Aisea and Chief Financial Officer, Nilesh Prasad. It was a wonderful night of reminiscing the many memories of attending FNU and being able to venture into the right direction to achieve your dreams.

Many dreams were also turned into reality at the National Training and Productivity Centre’s (NTPC) Community Alternative Programme Graduation ceremony. I met students who broke gender stereotypes and norms because of their immense passion to achieve something in life.

I also had the pleasure of visiting many cultural heritage sites to learn more about the history and life of the wonderful people of Nauru.

Hospitality Art Fair

Teaching hospitality and tourism at our university is important, not only for its economic contributions but also for its role in promoting cultural exchange, responsible practices, personal development, and the overall well-being of societies. It provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a dynamic and globally connected industry while fostering a greater understanding of the world around us.

Teaching hospitality and tourism prepares individuals for careers in hotel management, travel agencies, event planning, food and beverage services, tour guiding, and more. This contributes to reducing unemployment rates and enhancing workforce development.

Our Hospitality Art Fair competition and awards night foster a spirit of healthy competition which allows individuals to showcase their skills and talents and gain recognition for their hard work.

Congratulations once again to all our winners!

National Conference on Information Technology

A National IT Conference fosters innovation, knowledge sharing, and networking among industry experts, researchers, and policymakers. It drives technological advancements, informs digital strategies, and addresses emerging challenges, ultimately propelling economic growth, enhancing technological literacy, and shaping a nation’s competitive edge in the digital era.

I am extremely proud that our university is the main organiser behind such a pivotal and beneficial conference. I would like to thank all the attendees and I hope to see them again next year with fresh ideas and even better strategies.

NTPC Apprenticeship Diamond Jubilee

It was a busy month for NTPC, but it ended in style with a wonderful Diamond Jubilee celebration for our apprenticeship scheme.

Apprenticeships are important for their ability to provide practical skills, industry relevance, financial benefits, and a smoother transition to the workforce. They contribute to a well-rounded and skilled workforce while offering a viable alternative to traditional higher education. I would like to thank all the businesses and institutions that have been part of the NTPC Apprenticeship Scheme for the past 60 years and I am hoping that we continue to work together with more partners in providing Fijians as well as pacific islanders with numerous job opportunities under our Apprenticeship Scheme.

FNU Open Day

Finally, I would also like to encourage all our current and prospective students from all across the globe to continue to find joy in the adventure of learning, educating and growing themselves with FNU.

FNU is where your dreams become a reality!

If you are interested in enrolling in any of our programmes, please be sure to come and meet us during our 2023 Open Day at our Nasinu, Namaka, Natabua or Naduna Campus from 05-07 October 2023.

Be sure to follow our Social Media pages for more updates.