graduation

Kalsakau acknowledged that the graduates were enrolled in locally offered university programmes that incorporate bilingual and plurilingual content in English, French, and other languages.

“I commend their efforts to have persevered in their studies despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022 and their patience in waiting to receive their internationally recognised qualifications. I also salute the efforts of our young NUV to develop its infrastructure, faculties and schools, staff, and research capacity.”

Fifty-six percent of the graduates were women and 34% were awarded undergraduate degrees.

Fifty percent of students graduated from Pacific TAFE programmes.

This graduation saw 53 students graduating in Postgraduate programmes, of which 21 students received Master’s qualifications.

In his address at the ceremony, USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia said although COVID-19 was a deterrent to students completing their studies on time, the numbers signified a strong desire to further education.

“The most important part of today’s ceremony is to highlight these young people’s achievements,” said YCV Director Noel Steven Sawia in his official remarks.

“Our research shows that 80% of ni-Vanuatu youth, who are YCV participants never completed formal education, 80% have never been employed. These young people strive with passion to demonstrate their motivation to begin reaching for their true potential. Each participant changed who they are for the better and blossomed into productive leaders in their community.”

The new graduates join more than 1800 Vanuatu nationals who have graduated from APTC - Australia’s major investment in Post School Education and Training (PSET) in the Pacific region.

In keeping with APTC’s excellent record of promoting gender equality, more than 50 per cent of graduates were women.

Delivering the keynote address at the ceremony, Minister for Education and Training, Honourable Jean Pierre Nirua, congratulated the graduates on their achievement, and encouraged them to share their new skills within the workplace and in their communities. 

Fiji’s President and USP Chancellor, Jioji Konusi Konrote, conferred the Degrees and awarded the Diplomas and Certificates to the graduating students during the ceremony last Friday.

Konrote congratulated the graduating students and highlighted that the qualifications received will be a major game changer for the graduates and gives them every opportunity to excel in life and do well for their families, communities and country.