Gold Medalist Dedicates Award To Parents

Mohammed Zameel has dedicated his four gold medal awards to his par­ents for their motivation and trust in him.

Mr Zaneel graduated from the University of Fiji with a Bachelor of Commerce on Friday.

He majored in Information Tech­nology and Management and received the gold medals for Out­standing student in Management, Outstanding student in Informa­tion Technology, School of Busi­ness Economics award, and the Vice Chancellor’s award.

The 23-year-old was one of the more than 400 students that gradu­ated from the UniFiji Saweni, Lau­toka Campus.

He describes himself as a reli­gious person, raised with realistic values and preaching from his par­ents.

“My father’s hard work and dedi­cation always encouraged me. I recognised how important it is to work hard in life.

“The success that I’ve gained to­day is not an achievement of my own but holds numerous sacrifices behind it. Not just of my own, but of my parents and lecturers as well.”

He said he was always an avid learner in school when growing up.

He was a Dux at Sabeto Muslim Primary School, the highest scorer in Year 13 at Nadi Muslim College, and his awards journey continued by receiving the gold medals.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic was hard on him during his stud­ies, however the support from his loved ones kept him going.

“A lot of late-night sacrifices were made to reach here, and the reason was that studies were the main pri­ority during those days,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Fijian Government for funding his studies under the National Top­pers Scholarship Scheme (NTS).

“Without their assistance and support, it would not have been possible,” he said.

Zaneel’s father, Mohammed Khaleeq said he was extremely proud of his son, and he thanked the Government for providing educational incentives to support struggling students.

Gradutes well equipped

University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem says many other institutions would offer students excellent qualifi­cations but not too many would provide each graduate with skills needed to nurture the environment or to help those less fortunate than themselves and fearlessly stand up for what is right.

“The University of Fiji is commit­ted not only to providing students with excellent degrees and other qualifications but also with the tools necessary to make the world a better place for future genera­tions,” Ms Shameem said.

She said the University of Fiji’s new strategic plan provided guid­ance for generations to come.

“Let me spell it out, first we expect that you uphold the name of the University and never embarrass us by behaviour that is objectionable, exploitative of others, fraudulent, discourteous or deficient in human values,” she told the graduates.

“Secondly, we expect you to be the leaders in your own fields, in Fiji, as well as the world. Thirdly, any leadership role that you will take must be founded on consultation, understanding of others’ views, and compassion.”

She said the graduates would also need to navigate through conflict and find resolutions that would suit everyone.