More than 60 outstanding students and graduates of The University of the South Pacific (USP) were recognised for academic excellence at the Medals and Prizes Ceremony yesterday in Suva, Fiji.
The prestigious ceremony celebrated recipients of Gold medals, special prizes and certificates, recognising exceptional academic achievement across a range of disciplines and categories.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council and the Interim Management Group (IMG), the Right Honourable Siosiua ‘Utoikamanu, presented the medals and prizes alongside sponsors and Heads of Schools.
To qualify for these prestigious honours, students were required to meet stringent criteria, including attaining a cumulative grade point average of no less than 4.0 among other requirements, for School Gold Medals, special prizes and discipline awards.
The Pro-Chancellor acknowledged the high-achieving students, along with their families and friends.
“This evening, we recognise 63 awards presented to outstanding students from across our campuses, including 15 Gold Medalists who represent the highest level of academic distinction,” Honourable ‘Utoikamanu said.
He also highlighted the growth and strength of research at USP, reflected in the joint recipients of the PhD Thesis Award, describing it as a powerful reminder that the region continues to produce scholarship of the highest quality.
Among the evening’s most prestigious honours was the Vice-Chancellor and President’s All-Rounder Gold Medal for the female graduate with the best combined academic performance and record of service to the community. The award was presented to Busra Shaheenaz Sakib.
Reflecting on her achievement, Sakib said her journey required determination and focus as she balanced her studies, internships and work responsibilities.
She credited her success to hard work, perseverance and the unwavering support of her mother, as well as the encouragement of her lecturers. She also made the most of opportunities such as internships and campus programmes, which helped shape her personal and professional growth.
Currently pursuing postgraduate studies while working, Sakib said she hopes to continue her education further in the future, possibly towards a master’s degree.
Another notable award recipient was Maliumoeao Fa’asolo, who was recognised as the Most Outstanding Graduate with a major in Mathematics.
Fa’asolo described the award as a humbling and meaningful achievement, saying it reflected not only his hard work, but also the unwavering support of his family, mentor and friends throughout his academic journey.
“This recognition means a great deal to me. It reflects the support, sacrifices and encouragement of the people who have stood by me throughout my journey, especially my family, mentor and friends,” he said.
He shared that his time at USP had been transformative, shaping him both academically and personally, and added that the award had inspired him to continue striving for excellence and making the most of future opportunities.
The selection of USP’s Gold Medalists, prize winners, and certificate recipients is highly competitive. Graduates from the September 2025 ceremonies held at Laucala Campus and in Solomon Islands were eligible for consideration, in addition to those from the October 2025 ceremony in Tonga.
In addition, students graduating at the upcoming Laucala ceremonies on Thursday, 16 April and Friday, 17 April 2026 were included in the pool for the 2026 awards.
The Medals and Prizes Ceremony forms part of USP’s wider graduation celebrations this week.
The University’s graduation ceremonies will be held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva on Thursday, 16 April and Friday, 17 April 2026. Hundreds of students will officially graduate in the presence of their families, friends, staff and the wider USP community.
