Tsika Graduates as First PNG Med Student at UniFiji

 Ivor Xavier Tsika was the first Papua New Guinean student to graduate from the University of Fiji’s Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Sciences last Friday at the Saweni Campus, Lautoka.

Mr Tsika graduated with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery . 

“I always wanted to become a doctor when I was younger,” he said.

“Somehow I ended up becoming a pharmacist, but now when I graduate, I’m so happy that I’m fulfilling my dreams and ambitions,” he said. 

The Bouganville Island native said he had always been captivated by Fiji ever since he was a student at the University of PNG . 

“When I did my first Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, I was fascinated by the things I see in the media and on the internet about Fiji as a happy place and with happy people, the traditional clothes that they wear and women’s hairs, Fijian smile, and beautiful sceneries of Fiji.

“So, that made me want to complete my first degree and save up and come to Fiji for holidays, but then as time went by after I graduated with my first degree, I decided ‘why not I should go study in Fiji so I can enjoy everything that Fiji has to offer. That was why I chose Fiji,’ I was fascinated by the beauty of the people and the beauty of the environment.” 

Originally from Bouganville Island, the 35-year-old said six years of studying and being away from home was a challenging yet rewarding experience. 

“I’ve adapted well. On the first year, I was homesick, but later on, the friendly atmosphere here and Fijian people’s happy lifestyle was so welcoming that it made me forget about home,” he said 

He planned to become an intern medical officer next year and pursue a specialty in surgery in the future. He returns to PNG after completing two years of internship in Fiji. 

“I am planning to do it in Lautoka as my first choice and my second choice is Suva, but it depends on the Ministry of Health and Medical Service. If they get me to whichever hospital I’m happy with that,” he said. 

He urged aspiring MBBS students from PNG to consider studying in Fiji. 

“If you’re planning to study in Fiji, it is a very great place to grow and study, people are friendly. It’s very conducive the environment and the place for learning the universities are up the standard and trust me you will enjoy it when you study in Fiji,” he said. 

Xavier Tsika (right) and his friend Vili Brown after the University of Fiji graduation at the Saweni,Campus in Lautoka on December 15, 2023. Photo: Salote Qalubau

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