Prime Minister Humbled by National University Honour

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 28 March 2024– Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree at the National University of Samoa’s graduation this morning.

An honour she was humbled to receive. “Who am I that you have considered for this honour that I accepted with respect,” she said.

Fiame delivered the keynote address for the graduation ceremony after the conferral of the honorary degree.

In citation of the Honorary degree, Professor Letuimanu’asina Emma Kruse Vaai –Pro-Chancellor & Chair of the University Council, highlighted Fiame’s achievements.

“Today, for her significant contribution to education, women leadership and community development as the longest currently serving female law maker in the country, the University of Samoa is proud to confer upon Lau Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa, the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws.”

Fiame Dr. Naomi Mataafa 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.

She had a colourful journey that saw her drop her studies at Victoria University to take on the family title of Fiame and served the family after her father, the first Prime Minister of Samoa passed on.

She has a long political career from 1985 when she first entered Parliament and now heads the independent state of Samoa as the first woman Prime Minister.

She served as the Minister of Education under the late Prime Minister Tofilau Eti Alesana and the Minister of Women from 2006 to 2011.

She later served as the Minister of Justice from 2011-2016 and Minister of Natural Resources & Environment from 2016-2020

She was also the first woman Deputy Prime Minister from 2016-2020 under the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP).

Fiame Dr. Naomi Mataafa delivering the graduation key note address.

Education development she was involved in
From 1991-2006, Fiame served as the NUS Pro-Chancellor and saw the merger between NUS and the School of Nursing of the National Health Department as the Faculty of Nursing in 1993 and in 1997, oversaw the integration of the Teachers Training College (TTC) as the Faculty of Education at NUS.

She presided over the opening of the NUS Campus at Le Papaigalagala and the launch of the Centre for Samoan Studies and was instrumental in overseeing the merge between NUS and the Samoa Polytechnic.

Her other services include being a member of the Executive Board of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and is currently a Fellow of the Commonwealth of Learning.

From 2006 -2012 she served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of the University of South Pacific (USP). In 2017, she was awarded the Stars of Oceania Individuals Award and in December 2018, awarded the Honorary Doctor of Letters by USP.

As Minister of MNRE, she was awarded the Oceania Stewardship Award in 2017 by the Conservation International & Oceania Health Index for her role in ushering in Samoa’s Ocean Strategy.

To the graduating Class of 2024, Fiame congratulated them on their perseverance and courage in continuing their pursuit in higher education.