Iakobwa Kabong has become the Fiji National University Disability Centre’s first regional student since the centre was established in 2015, marking a milestone in the university’s efforts to widen access for Pacific students living with disabilities. The 26-year-old from Christmas Island, Kiribati, is studying for a Diploma in Information Technology at FNU’s College of Engineering and Technical Vocational Education and Training under a Kiribati government scholarship.
Living with a physical disability that affects his hands and legs, Mr Kabong said he is able to walk on flat surfaces but relies on a wheelchair when navigating slopes. Despite daily physical challenges, he said education has always been a priority and taught him resilience. “Living with a physical disability has presented challenges, particularly when tasks take longer to complete. However, these experiences have taught me patience and resilience,” he said.
Mr Kabong completed a Certificate III in Information and Communication Technology in Kiribati before deciding to further his studies overseas. He said he first discovered FNU’s IT programme through social media and was immediately drawn to its potential to prepare him for work in a technology-driven environment. “As technology continues to evolve, our country requires qualified people who can help drive digital development,” he said, adding that his goal is to gain the necessary knowledge and skills and then return home to contribute to Kiribati’s digital development.
FNU Disability Centre co‑ordinator Fuata Faktaufon welcomed Mr Kabong’s enrolment as evidence of the university’s commitment to inclusivity. “FNU is committed to ensuring that all students have equitable access to education, including those living with disabilities,” Mr Faktaufon said. “Our centre works to create a supportive learning environment where students can fully participate in academic life and achieve their potential.” He noted that students such as Mr Kabong highlight the importance of inclusive education and the transformative power it can have across the Pacific.
Mr Kabong’s arrival at FNU underscores two broader developments: the growing mobility of Pacific students seeking specialised training abroad, and an increasing recognition of the role inclusive tertiary education plays in national development strategies, particularly in technology sectors. For small island states such as Kiribati, where digital skills are becoming central to service delivery and economic resilience, returning graduates with IT qualifications could help bridge skills gaps.
As the first regional student to access FNU’s Disability Centre, Mr Kabong may pave the way for others from across the Pacific to pursue higher education in Fiji with the support they need. He said he hopes his studies will enable him to support Kiribati’s growing need for skilled IT professionals once he completes his diploma. His journey also highlights how outreach — in his case via social media — can connect prospective students with opportunities beyond their home islands.