A 2020 National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) graduate, who was looking forward to this year's event, has appealed to the university administration to review its decision.

Elekana Pupi of Salelologa Savaii and Malifa told Samoa Observer that he is saddened by the N.U.S decision to cancelled the main graduation next Friday.

"I don't want to be selfish but I just hope that the Vice Chancellor will reconsider his decision in cancelling the graduation, I didn't work hard for three years, just to be announced on the N.U.S. Radio or national television," he stated in an email.

Acknowledging the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) state of emergency on public gatherings, Mr Pupi said he thought the Vice Chancellor's decision was too quick. 

He said the campus radio did not have a large following and not all families in Samoa had television to be able to see the university broadcast next Friday. 

"This is a little too much for me, I mean the N.U.S. Radio doesn't reach a big audience, it's only in the campus that can listen to this radio, and as for national television, not all families have television," he added. 

"In his email, he says that students will be asked to come in to uplift their certificates, how can we do that when there are no buses and students from Savaii cannot come because the last ferry trip was yesterday."

Mr Pupi asked the Vice Chancellor to reconsider his decision, even it meant postponing the graduation to the end of this year or 2021.

"Please reconsider, I don't mind if its postpone to the end of the year or next year but at least we will have the chance to have our moments, this is a proud moment for all the graduates families, but it's just sad that we won't get the chance to do so," he said.

Mr Pupi will graduate with bachelor degree in commerce majoring in accounting. He is also an accountant at the Leota & Niumata Chartered Accountant and mainly audits business and government ministries financial statements.

"I work and at the same time go to school, it was a really tough journey but I did it. I am not disappointed nor mad at the V.C. but I'm just saddened because for us students who are from Savaii, graduating is a big thing for our families, churches and for the whole village as well," he added.

While the COVID-19 is the major factor behind the cancellation of the graduation ceremony next Friday, he said he is praying that the virus does not reach our shores and wishes for a safe and secure Samoa.