The University of the South Pacific (USP) Tonga campus recently celebrated the graduation of 126 students. The event was held at the Queen Salote College Hall in Nukualofa, Tonga.
COVID-19 restrictions last year resulted in all 2020 graduation ceremonies scheduled in various campuses throughout the USP region to be cancelled. Qualifications were conferred by Deed after which graduates were given their certificates. Some campuses organized presentation ceremonies, such as that held in Tonga.
The students graduated with undergraduate degrees, post graduate diplomas and certificates. The students had undertaken their studies at various USP Campuses around the region.
Tonga’s Minister of Education and Training and Chair of the Tonga Campus Advisory Committee, Honourable Hu’akavameiliku was chief guest at the event. The event was also attended by USP Council members, Ms ‘Aloma Johannsson and Ms Petunia Tupou.
In his remarks Honourable Hu’akavameiliku said that the Government of Tonga was thankful to the University for its continued commitment in providing quality education to the people of Tonga.
“We would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to USP for their generous assistance and partnership towards our common goal of education”.
Honourable Hu’akavameiliku congratulated the students on their academic qualifications and said they should be now ready to fulfil their career aspirations.
“I envision you joining the work force either through the private or public sector or by establishing your own business or pursuing further education,” he said.
“A good number of options are available for you to be able to fulfill your individual purposes and goals.”
“I encourage you to plant good seeds that will help others and that will contribute to the development of a sustainable Tonga. By doing so, you will be pleased to have completed the purpose and vision for yourself and for your country,” he said.
Director of USP’s Institute of Education, Tonga Campus, Dr Seu’ula Johannson Fua, said “The waka (means of transport; most commonly refers to ocean canoes) of Education could only journey in the deep ocean with collaborate paddling”.
She thanked the University’s administration and academic staff for moulding the students which has enabled the students to complete their studies successfully.
USP Bachelor of Law Graduate, Ms Ma’ata Laukau ‘Ovava Toe’api said her law degree has made her realise her dream of becoming a lawyer.
She is also thankful to USP for paving the pathway for her career in the field of law and allowing her to graduate with her colleagues in her home country.
“I’m grateful that we were able to receive our certificates and am thankful to USP for acknowledging the hard work we have put into getting our bachelor’s degrees.”
80 of the 126 graduates conferred by deed, attended the certificate presentation ceremony that was organised by Tonga Campus.
