Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa was conferred an Honorary Degree from the University of the South Pacific in appreciation of her substantial support to the betterment of Samoa.
The Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letter was conferred during the university’s graduation ceremony.
She is one of the five outstanding recipients nominated and endorsed by the USP’s council based on their exceptional provision to the pacific.
The degree recognises Fiame’s service to the public her commitment in spearheading environment conservation, education, women development issues and politics nationally and internationally.
USP’s Vice Chancellor, Rajesh Chandra congratulate Fiame on her award by saying it was a well deserve honour.
“You well deserve your Honorary Doctorate degree because of your outstanding service and contribution to your country,” he said.
“Your time as Pro-Chancellor of the USP in 2006-2012 and chair to the USP council added value to operate the best vision of academia to the university and we congratulate you.”
Fiame acknowledge the University the Respected Award as well as her family and friends who have contributed to her journey not only in education but in politics as well.
“I want to thank my parents who both passed away, but what they have instilled in me has taken me to where I am today,” she said.
“I also want to thank the USP Council for awarding me with the Honorary Doctorate Degree.”
During her time as a Pro Chancellor of the university she obtained a major grant from the Government of New Zealand for the governance and Management Enhancement Support Project (GMES) which reviewed the university’s Human Resource, Finance, ITS processes and system and led to major improvements in the delivery of these services.
Fiame’s association with the university did not only start from there.
It began with her mother, the late Masiofo Fetauimalemau Mata’afa who served as the first Pro Chancellor of the University from 1970 to 1976.
As the Pro Chancellor at the time she was on hand to receive the Royal Charter from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the second at the Laucala Campus.
