Acting Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, is set to be recognised with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) by the University of the South Pacific (U.S.P.) tomorrow.

The honour will be conferred at the CCCS Hall, Sogi, during the University’s graduation ceremony.

The award follows a decision by the USP Council at its 87th Meeting this month, to award five individuals for their outstanding work for the Pacific and beyond, as part of the University’s 50th Anniversary celebrations this year. 

“Hon. Mataafa’s award is in recognition of her public service, intellect and her tireless commitment to championing the cause of environment conservation at the national, regional and international levels where she is also a stellar role model for women,” the University said in a statement. 

“At national level, she contributed and continues to contribute significantly to education, women development, national development environmental protection and politics." 

“Hon Mata’afa’s regional work found its finest expression in her Pro Chancellorship at USP from 2006-2012, a time during which she was also the Chair of the USP Council." 

“On an ongoing basis, Hon. Mata’afa is an active participant in environmental protections activities at regional and global levels.”

The University of the South Pacific 2018 graduation is scheduled to start at 10 am. 

Presiding over the graduation ceremony will be the USP Chancellor, Taneti Maamau, the President of the Republic of Kiribati, to bestow the 87 graduates from within and beyond the Pacific with certificates and diplomas in Foundation, Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies.

 Inclusive in the cohort are three graduates in the Masters program: 2 in Education, and 1 in Commerce. 

Of the 87 graduates, 62 are from Samoa, and the overall majority will be graduating with Undergraduate degrees in various disciplines.

Also gracing the graduation will be the Pro Chancellor and Chair of Council, Winston Thompson; the outgoing Vice Chancellor and  President, Professor Rajesh Chandra; the VC and President Designate, Professor Pal Ahluwalia; Vice President Regional Campuses, Dr Giulio Masasso Tu'ikolongahau Paunga; the Secretary to Council, Ms Lily Vesikula, the Acting Campus Director and Head of School of Agriculture and Food Technology, Prof Mohammed Umar; the staff, students and friends of USP-Samoa.