University Graduations In Suva Cancelled

The University of the South Pacific (USP) and the Fiji National University (FNU) have cancelled their graduation ceremonies in Suva for this month, because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) threat.

The USP graduation was scheduled for March 19 and 20. The Medals and Prizes ceremony for today has also been called off.

USP apologised to all graduating students and families, saying this unprecedented action had been taken “to preserve greater health and safety of the greater public.”

The September 17, and 18, graduation is still happening and if they wish to be included graduates have to contact Student Administrative Services by September 1.

Graduation certificates

Students may collect their graduation certificates and transcripts from Hall A and Hall B of the Vodafone Arena on March 19 and March 20 as follows:

• FSTE, FALE, and Pacific TAFE graduates: Thursday, March 19 from 8am
• FBE Graduates: Friday, March 20 from 8am

FNU has cancelled its graduation for the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) scheduled for March 27, in line with Government’s advisory regarding hosting of events which may have an international audience.

However, the graduation scheduled for March 19 in Labasa will proceed as normal.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said international events would not be allowed in Fiji and local events would be closed to all guests coming in from overseas.

“While the steps we can take as individuals are critical, to be effective, the preparations for COVID-19 must be society-wide.

“We need everyone to be aware of the risks and actively participating in our national response,” he said.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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