Fiji will continue to record progress in the education sector and pursue excellence in its primary, intermediary and tertiary educational institutions, President Epeli Nailatikau has said.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the University of Fiji on April 15, he said the current economic climate posed serious challenges to the core sectors of the Fijian economy including education.
“The Government recognises the challenges facing our educational institutions and I am confident that it will continue to provide financial support and scholarships to deserving students to pursue their education,” he said.
Mr Nailatikau became the second Chancellor of the University of Fiji at the graduation ceremony, succeeding the late Josefa Iloilo.
He described the University, established six years ago as “An Institution of the people, by the people,” saying that it was the collective responsibility of all Fijians to be partners in its development.
“I am pleased to acknowledge the contributions of the private sector in the progress of the University. I hope our entrepreneurs and businesspersons will continue to play a significant role and demonstrate their corporate responsibility to the Nation.
“Under the Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development (2009-2014), the Government recognises the critical importance of tertiary institutions for developing high quality human resources, especially in an increasingly technology-driven world economy,” he said.
Former Chief Justice Moti Tikaram, Vice Chancellor Professor Srinivasiah Mudaliar, businesspersons, teachers and students attended the ceremony held at the Saweni Campus in Lautoka.
Paying tributes to Professor Mudaliar and his staff, Mr Nailatikau said they had promoted academic excellence at the University.
Addressing the new graduates, he said, “As of now, you are the Ambassadors of the University of Fiji and as such, promote the Institution here and overseas and remain a part of its growth.”
