Apia, Samoa – Tuesday 26th of March, 2024.
The National University of Samoa (NUS) is pleased to announce that the Honourable Prime Minister of Samoa, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, will be conferred with a Honorary Doctorate degree during the Graduation Ceremony, taking place this Thursday 28th March, 2024.
Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa is a trailblazer in Samoan politics, serving as the first female Prime Minister of Samoa since July 26th, 2021. She has been a dedicated member of Parliament since 1985, representing the Constituency of Lotofaga, and she is also the longest-serving female member of the Samoan Parliament to date.
In addition to her political career, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has made significant contributions to education, women’s leadership, and community development. She has held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Education, Minister of Women, Minister of Justice, and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. She has also served as Samoa’s first female Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of the Human Rights Protection Party.
As Pro-Chancellor of the National University of Samoa from 1991 to 2006, Afioga Fiame oversaw important initiatives, such as the merger between the School of Nursing and the Faculty of Nursing, as well as the integration of the Western Samoa Teachers College into the NUS Faculty of Education. She also played a key role in the merger between the National University of Samoa and the Samoa Polytechnic in 2006.
For her outstanding contributions to education, women’s leadership, and community development, the National University of Samoa is proud to confer upon Honourable Prime Minister Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata’afa the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. This prestigious recognition honours her dedication and leadership in empowering women and advancing education in Samoa.
The ceremony will take place during the Graduation Ceremony on Thursday 28th March, 2024, at the N.U.S campus in Le Papaigalagala. Join us in celebrating the achievements of Honourable Prime Minister Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and her unwavering commitment to promoting excellence and progress in Samoa.
ENDS.
SOURCE – The National University of Samoa
