A total of 64 students graduated from The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Niue Campus during the graduation ceremony on 22 October 2021.
Of this, 27 students were from the School of Business and Management (SBM); two from the School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS); 22 from the School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education (SPACE); and 13 from Pacific TAFE. Fifty-eight per cent of the graduates were females.
USP Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia welcomed everyone and acknowledged Niue’s Government officials, including the Minister of Education, Honourable Sauni Tongatule.
Professor Ahluwalia characterised the 15 master’s certificates awarded by the SBM and SPACE as “significant” and “a tribute to the University’s quality and magnificence.”
To the graduands, Professor Ahluwalia said that what they had achieved was a significant accomplishment.
He stated that, regardless of their subject of study, graduation was the result of several years of hard work on their part.
“Today is a celebration of your achievements, as well as an opportunity for us to express our gratitude to the academic and professional personnel who have worked tirelessly to assist you in reaching your learning objectives.”
“It is a compliment to each of you that your practice has produced such remarkable outcomes. I understand that getting to this point took a lot of effort over a long period.”
He claims that as an alumnus, the student’s lifelong relationship with USP begins.
“Thanks must go to the family and friends, employers, colleagues and mentors who have also played an important role in the success of each graduate,” Professor Ahluwalia emphasised.
He said the University worked hard to instill a body of knowledge and a set of values to help students succeed.
Professor Pal also mentioned some of the University’s achievements, such as its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University ranking for 2022 and its ranking as the 11th best University in the world in the area of crisis management in the World Universities with Real Impact (WURI) global ranking for 2021.
He went on to say that USP is still aspirational, enthusiastic, and committed to change and success, ensuring a long-term relationship with each of them.
The Hon. Premier of Niue and the 28th USP Chancellor, Dalton Emani Makamau Tagelagi, said it was an honour to be given this fantastic chance.
“As the past 27 Chancellors before me, I commit to continue honouring and protecting the role’s integrity,” he stated.
Hon. Tagelagi praised the graduates for making the country proud.
“You have shown the world that you can do it and that you can graduate right here on the island, with your very own Premier serving as Chancellor, an opportunity that had been denied to students on other USP campuses,” he stated.
“It is truly an honour to study and complete your studies here at USP Niue. I trust that when you earn your new credential, you will remain humble and grounded, and I look forward to your contributions in furthering this country with your new knowledge.”
