A total of 203 students of the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) celebrated their academic successes on Friday graduating with various certificates including three with Masters degrees.

Held at the N.U.S gymnasium on Friday, families and friends of the graduates, N.U.S. staff, Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, and the Minister of Education, Seuula Ioane Tuuau gathered to witness a milestone for the graduates.

Minister Seuula who the Guest Speaker said the last time he delivered a speech was when he was selected as the graduate speaker of the N.U.S. graduating class in October 2021 graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Primary School Education.

He encouraged the graduates to keep believing and go for gold while highlighting the achievements of the university over the years.

“On Valentine’s Day 14 February next year, N.U.S will turn 40, it will be a momentous occasion and I’m sure the NUS will have a big celebration to mark that historical milestone,” he said.

“But 39 years this year is also not a small feat and the university has had its fair share of challenges since 1984, from humble beginnings with an initial budget of $5 and now it has a $29million Tala budget.

“It started with only the Foundation program with 45 students with about 20 plus staff. Today, it has more than 100 academic programs, 3900 students and 400 plus staff.

“We can never compare N.U.S. to other well established universities overseas including the University of the South Pacific that have large operational budgets but we should all be proud of what our small national university has managed to achieve over the 39 years of its existence.”

Graduate speaker, Maylynn Ane Kaleta who is the only student in the Faculty of Business and Entrepreneurship  who graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce shared about the struggles of sleepless nights which have paid off.

“We have also met so many people along the way who have helped us grow and learn. These individuals left their marks, impacted us for the better and shaped us to who we are today and what we will become tomorrow. For that we will be forever grateful,” she added.

“We are now ready to embark on the next chapter of our lives and we are confident and are well prepared to achieve great things but we must always use our skills and knowledge to serve with integrity for the benefit not just of our families, but welfare and livelihood of others, including our neighbours, villages, churches and beloved country, Samoa.”

She is the daughter of Tutoa Kaleta Salefau Feau and Tasi Salefau from Vailele and Samatau.

She first entered the N.U.S. through the Foundation Certificate of Commerce in 2015, then continued her Bachelor of Commerce in 2016, and from 2021 to 2023, she pursued her Post Graduate Diploma in Commerce.

She is currently employed at the Samoa Water Authority (S.W.A.) but with the passion to continue her academic journey to the next level.

Meanwhile, 71 students succeeded with Certificate of Professional Development; one with NUS Certificate II in Tourism and Hospitality (Front Office); one with NUS Certificate II in Tourism and Hospitality (Food and Beverage); four with NUS Certificate II in Tourism Hospitality (Tour Guiding); one with NUS Certificate IV in Computer Operating; one with Samoa Certificate II in Automotive; two with Certificate II Maritime Training (Nautical); two with Foundation Certificate Arts; eight with Foundation Certificate General; two Foundation Certificate Nursing; one NUS Certificate IV in Foundation Agriculture; two NUS Diploma V in Business; eight Diploma V in MAritime Master Class IV; 13 Bachelor of Arts; one Bachelor of Arts (Secondary Teaching); seven Bachelor of Commerce; three Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education; 28 Bachelor of Education (Primary); seven Bachelor of Science; sic Bachelor of Samoan Studies; three Graduate Diploma in Education; 13 Postgraduate Certificate in Executive Leadership; one Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce; four Postgraduate Diploma in Education; two Postgraduate Diploma in Science; four Postgraduate Diploma in Samoan Studies; four Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies; two Master of Science; and one Master of Development Studies.