Forty-five students from The University of the South Pacific (USP) were officially admitted to the bar during a prestigious admission ceremony held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, Fiji.
Family and friends gathered in large numbers to witness the momentous occasion as the new lawyers took two solemn oaths, one of allegiance to the legal profession and another to uphold the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji Islands before the Honourable Chief Justice, Justice Salesi Temo.
The newly admitted lawyers earned their Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Professional Diploma in Legal Practice (PDLP) from USP’s School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS).
These qualifications are recognised across the region and continue to produce graduates who contribute significantly to the legal profession in their home countries.
In his remarks, Chief Justice Salesi Temo reminded the graduates of the weight of responsibility they now carried.
“I commend our emerging lawyers, on reaching this significant milestone. As you begin your careers, make it a priority to learn as much as you can. Never hesitate to seek guidance from senior practitioners – many have decades of courtroom experience and valuable lessons to share.”
He also reminded the new lawyers to uphold the highest ethical standards.
“Above all, be polite and remain honest,” Justice Temo emphasised.
Kenneth Dauloloma reflected on his path to the Bar, describing the past five years as both demanding and transformative. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his parents and siblings for their unwavering support.
“I am deeply honoured to have been admitted to the Fiji High Court today. First and foremost, I give thanks to God, my family, and my friends for their unwavering love and support throughout this journey. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) School of Law for their guidance and dedication, which have shaped me both personally and professionally.”
“I also wish to pay special tribute to my late grandmother, Adi Laisani Moceisawana, and my late father, Theo Koot, whose memories continue to inspire me. To my mother, Tepora Dauloloma, as well as Nau Lusi, Nau Ini, Nau Nia, and my uncle and aunties – thank you for your constant encouragement and belief in me,” he said.
Among the graduates was Nandita Natasha Naidu, who shared her joy at completing her PDLP despite a challenging five-year journey filled with life-changing events.
“I’m excited to embark on this new chapter in my legal career.
It was an honour to have Richard Naidu move my petition, and I’m equally thrilled to be joining the outstanding litigation team led by Ronal Singh at Munro Leys,” she said.
“I look forward to the opportunities ahead and to contributing meaningfully in this next stage of my journey.”
Also admitted to the Bar were Taupule Polenia Teleke Apelu and Lilipeti Suiti Faave from Tuvalu, who successfully completed their PDLP programme in Fiji.
“With Jehovah’s help and the unwavering support of my parents and mentors, I have been able to complete this journey. Being admitted to the Bar today is both an honour and a responsibility, and I look forward to serving with integrity and dedication,” Apelu said.
The ceremony not only marked a milestone for the graduates but also reflected the regional significance of USP’s School of Law and Social Sciences, which serves as the premier legal education provider for the Pacific.
With its unique regional mandate, SoLaSS equips students with both theoretical and practical training, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve in diverse legal systems across the Blue Pacific.
USP’s PDLP programme, in particular, is designed to bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice. It provides students with intensive, hands-on training in advocacy, ethics, legal drafting, and courtroom skills – essential foundations for building successful careers in law.
Applications for the LLB programme at USP’s School of Law and Social Sciences will open soon for the 2026 academic year, offering new students the chance study and contribute to the legal profession across the Pacific.
