EDUCATION is a crucial human resource and nations that have invested in it have reaped and continue to reap its benefits.
President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau made the comment during the University of Fiji graduation ceremony in Lautoka yesterday.
Ratu Epeli, who is also the chancellor of the institution, said in a small country like Fiji where a diverse group of people of different cultures, traditions and religions lived, education was the common factor that helped to overcome prejudices, the misconceptions and differences that occasionally occurred.
Addressing the 200 graduates, he said the university had played a pivotal role in fostering tolerance and overcoming the poison of prejudice in a multiracial society.
"The University of Fiji is unique not only in Fiji but in the South Pacific region for it is the only privately run university in Fiji," said Ratu Epeli.
"With the right leadership, direction, resources and support, I am certain it could contribute a lot more not only to preserving the iTaukei culture and language but also towards creating genuine goodwill and understanding among other races in Fiji," he said.
Ratu Epeli congratulated the graduates for their achievements and challenged them to best utilise their knowledge for the betterment of their families and for the country as a whole.