Sefau Isa’ako Toetu from the island of Savai’i shared tears of joy after he was announced the top student in the National University of Samoa’s Foundation Education class.

He was one of eight students who graduated with a Foundation Certificate in Education and amongst a total of 479 N.U.S. foundation students to receive certificates in the science, commerce, arts, education, general and nursing streams.

More than a thousand people gathered at the N.U.S. Gymnasium on Thursday to witness the graduation of the university’s foundation program students.

Guests included Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and his Masiofo Her Highness Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano. Also present was the Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio’o as well as the Speaker of the Parliament, Papalii Lio Masipau. 

The 20-year-old Savai’i islander, Sefau was overwhelmed by the occasion, having been announced as the top student of the N.U.S. Foundation Education class. He was the recipient of the A’eau Chris Hazelman’s trophy.

In emotional scenes, he was greeted with leis [necklaces] made of candies by relatives and he could not hold back his tears. 

“I feel happy but also grateful to my parents who are waiting for me in Savai’i, they could not make it to my graduation,” he said while trying to hold back tears.

He felt comforted knowing that his grandmother Saiupolu Tusiga, who was with him on his big day.

“But all the glory and thanksgiving must be returned to our heavenly father for helping me and guiding me throughout my journey,” said Sefau.

“The significance of my achievement is that I hope this will inspire my younger siblings to prioritise education.

“I hope to be a teacher in the future because I hope to share my knowledge in mathematics for the children. 

“Education is important for everyone, especially the young generation as they grow up and be educated so they will have a brighter future.”

Mr. Toetu is the son of Toetu and Uimaitua Toetu from the villages of Saanapu and Salailua, Savai'i.

Meanwhile, the late Lauofo Meti Award was given to top equal Foundation Arts Students Lolina Aiono and Tauva Laulii Lefauaitu. 

Some of the special awards and winners included Henry Fereti, who was named Top Foundation Commerce Student who also received the Mata’afa Dr. Desmond Prize Award for topping Foundation Law. 

The top Foundation Nursing Student was Rimoni Dylon Tekie Sooaemalelagi while Fofogapapa Savaliga was named Top Foundation Agriculture student with Mahira Adil named the Top Foundation General student.

While the top overall student for this year’s N.U.S. Foundation Program was Czarina Rumar Elisaia.