The echoes of accomplishment filled the air on the eve of Easter at the National University of Samoa as more than 400 graduates bowed their way out of their academic chapters onto the next.

Thousands of families and friends, cabinet ministers and members of the diplomatic corp gathered to celebrate the successes of the graduates, some with portraits of their loved ones who have passed on but paid tribute for their influences, and some travelling far from Savaii for this day.

Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa kickstarted the graduating class list by addressing the graduating class after she received an Honorary Doctor of Laws, marking a momentous start to the day's celebration.

Fiame acknowledged with gratitude the Pro-Chancellor of Council, Vice Chancellor Tuifuisaa Patila Amosa, and N.U.S staff for the honour of being conferred the University's honorary award.

"The NUS fees have not been raised for more than 10 years, the cost of one semester is the cost of one course at the local regional university. Our government and university funds supplement our university fees," she said.

"Graduation is the time to celebrate the successful cumulation of one's strength in studies, it is judgment day for most, those who did well will graduate and hard work has paid off.

"Time for parents to reap the fruits of their prayers, on the other hand, it is also a sad time for those who did not do so well or did not study hard or put in 100 per cent effort in their studies.

"Those who will not graduate will be disappointed, but the sun will rise again tomorrow, people learn more from their mistakes, so don’t dwell too long in their mistakes. Character is built by how fast you bounce back, take heart, do your best and try again until you succeed.

"Not to look good in mirrors or to look out for themselves but to look out through windows or look out for others to have a long clear view,  to prosper extended families, prosper villages, prosper our churches and our future for today and years to come."

The graduating class varied with students from different courses with some graduating with Diplomas, Degrees, Graduate Diplomas, Post Graduate Certificates, Post Graduate Diplomas, and Masters.

Amongst the students was Niumerida Aolele Su'a who was the top graduate for the Diploma in Education class. She dedicated her success to her family who had supported her along the way.

"When life is sweet, say thank you Lord and celebrate. I first acknowledge our good Lord for making this journey successful and a memorable one. I must admit it was never easy working and taking full time courses at the same time but God made it happen for me,” she said.

“I am forever grateful Lord. I also want to acknowledge the support of my family. Thank you for the never ending support during my academic journey in completing my Graduate Diploma in Education.

“Lastly, my parents. My dearest mother Felila Masina Su'a (retired Principal), my father Gasolo Su'a, my other parents Leiataualesā Lino Tagiilima (retired Principal) and Silauniu Tagiilima. A family of teachers and am one proud daughter who wishes to continue our family legacy to the fullest.”

Meanwhile, this year marks 40 years since the establishment of NUS and from an original budget of 5 tala in the contingency column of education budget to today's budget of $30 million

N.U.S strived from one foundation programme to more than 100 academic programmees, from 45 students to about 3000 plus students, and from less than 20 staff to more than 300 staff.

According to the university, a total of 25,647 graduates have completed their studies at NUS since 1984, to which Fiame said, "If we think about it if the NUS of Samoa did not exist that number would have been far less because the number of oppoturnity to go overseas and studies at university is limited.

"Hence we should be proud and take pride in our NUS it has come a long way, and it was not easy. Today, the university is amongst the recognised regional universities.

"Some of our senior academic and management staff are recognised regionally, the same goes for NUS graduates, the fact that most of them were able to pursue further studies overseas using N.U.S. qualifications reflects the quality of our qualification and recognition of the students' prior learning."