At the recent graduation ceremony of Fiji National University (FNU), Dr. Peter Maima achieved a significant academic milestone by receiving his PhD, a moment he described as surreal and filled with overwhelming pride. Reflecting on the occasion, he stated, “The whole ceremony felt like a dream,” as he recognized the support of the many eyes watching him walk across the stage, marking the culmination of an arduous eight-year journey.
Dr. Maima’s path to this achievement was defined by personal struggles, resilience, and unwavering faith. Originally from the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea, he is notable for being the first male PhD graduate from FNU’s College of Business, Hospitality, and Tourism Studies. He faced immense challenges early in life, having lost both parents by the age of six. After being raised by his older brother, he quickly learned independence, cooking, and managing life on his own.
With two decades of experience in the health sector, Dr. Maima was driven by a desire to improve healthcare quality in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This led him to pursue a Master’s degree and eventually a PhD at FNU, where he faced numerous obstacles, including the lack of research infrastructure and personal health challenges that impacted his studies.
However, support from friends and a newfound supervisor, Dr. Avanish Shukla, reignited his determination. Dr. Maima’s research focused on workforce empowerment in healthcare settings, aiming to enhance service quality through morale and opportunity growth among staff. His research findings are now being utilized to develop recommendations for the PNG Ministry of Health, potentially influencing regional policy frameworks.
Throughout his educational journey, Dr. Maima emphasized the importance of family support, sharing his experiences of balancing his studies with family life as his wife pursued her own Executive MBA. He highlighted how they inspired one another, fostering a culture of learning for their daughters.
Now, as the Executive Director for Research and Development at PNG’s Department of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Maima sees his success as a platform to give back to his community. He inspires Pacific youth with the message to “dream and work,” encouraging them not to let their background dictate their future.
Dr. Maima’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance and the transformative power of education, uplifting those who face similar hardships and advocating for continuous personal and communal growth. His journey not only showcases his achievements but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations striving for success against all odds.
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