SUVA — The Fiji National University (FNU) has graduated 1,906 students in a three-day ceremony at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva, including a record 991 women — just over half of the graduating cohort — a milestone the university says reflects growing female participation across technical and professional courses.
The ceremony, held across three consecutive days, saw 664 students graduate on Day 1 (444 females), 531 on Day 2 (374 females) and 711 on Day 3 (173 females). The figures add up to the total of 1,906 graduates and confirm the university’s announcement that women now form a majority of this graduating class. Among the women graduates was Dr Sereima Baleisomi, who was conferred a Doctor of Philosophy in Education.
Day 3 focused on graduates from the College of Engineering, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CETVET), the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) and the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies (PCMS). NTPC marked a key achievement with 77 students completing its apprenticeship programme. The Pacific Centre for Aviation Studies recorded a solitary graduate in a specialised course — one student received a Certificate in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (Avionics) (Level 4).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Honourable Viliame Gavoka was the chief guest and used his address to elevate the prominence of technical and vocational education. “Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is no longer viewed as a secondary pathway to success. It is now a strategic pillar of national development and economic resilience,” he said, urging graduates to view technical skills as central to Fiji’s infrastructure and industry development.
FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo‑Baba welcomed the strong female representation, noting it was especially significant in fields traditionally dominated by men. “You did not turn away when you saw that you were outnumbered. Instead, you stood your ground and proved that if others can do it, so can you. In doing so, you are breaking barriers and paving the way for those who will follow,” she told graduates, pointing to rising enrolment and completion among women in CETVET and PCMS.
FNU Chancellor and Council Chair Dr Alisi Talatoka Vudiniabola reiterated the university’s commitment to supporting national workforce priorities through practical education and industry partnerships. She said FNU’s Strategic Plan 2024–2026 and Fiji’s National Development Plan are aligned to strengthen workforce capability, productivity and innovation so the country can build a “skilled and future-ready labour force.”
Among the individual stories highlighted at the ceremony was 23-year-old Varitema Giblin Rokovesa Drauna from Nailaga, Ba, one of six women graduating from PCMS this session. She received a Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 5) and dedicated her achievement to family support, urging other young women to consider maritime careers. The university concluded the graduation by emphasising its role in equipping students with practical skills to meet Fiji’s evolving labour market needs.