The University of the South Pacific (USP) Tonga Campus celebrated its deeply significant 2025 graduation today, affirming its role as a beacon of regional education.
The momentous event was graced by the attendance of His Majesty King Tupou VI, King of Tonga and the University’s 32nd Chancellor, who officially conferred degrees, diplomas, and certificates to 268 graduates.
Held at the Tonga High School Indoor Stadium, the ceremony marked a major academic milestone for students originating from thirteen Pacific nations, including Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
The cultural contributions of the USP graduation choir and the Tonga Police band elevated the event, honouring the heritage, faith, and sacrifices inherent in the pursuit of higher education.
Ms Fuatino Tangitau’s story resonates with many of the graduates in Tonga.
For Ms Tangitau who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Pacific Policing and Politics & International Affairs, her faith was what guided her through her studies.
“Throughout our journey to graduation over the last years, depending on our courses, we transformed obstacles into possibilities because God was always with us, providing what we did not have,” Ms Tangitau said.
“When we embarked on the first year of our degrees, COVID restrictions took away our tertiary learning experience and independence, replacing it with guidelines and curfews which made access to class resources and school mates difficult.”
“Those of us from outer islands always expected challenges, however, these new ones made the obstacles of our journey even trickier.”
“This showed us how in such testing times, that faith guided us through the immediate effects, powered us on to complete our studies, and became a newfound strength we rely on when other obstacles show up in our way.”
The theme of sacrifice was echoed by Bachelor of Science graduate, Mr Tu’a Ki ‘Api Mahu, who found motivation in his family despite the difficulties of being away from home.
“Navigating my studies with English as a second language, battling homesickness, and studying late was challenging. There were times I considered giving up, especially after my mom passed away,” he shared.
“But my family was my constant motivation, and all the glory for making it here today goes back to God.”
For Lusiane Sikalu Aho, age is truly just a number when it comes to education.
At the age of 63, Lusiane graduated with a Bachelor of Law. Her journey, like that of many mature students, was far from easy.
As a married working mother of four, Lusiane was juggling family, work, and her academic pursuits. Yet, she found a way to make it all work, crediting the online courses offered by USP.
“I think now that we can do online courses here in Tonga, it has made it more convenient for us who are working,” she added.
“After more than a decided, it is finally, I’ve graduated. My family who have been patient through the years are happy that I’ve completed my courses.”
She encourages anyone who has a passion to study and work, to take on the opportunities and courses available at USP.
