‘Atenisi education was incorporated in 1966 by the late Professor ‘Ilaisa Futa Helu. The establishment of the small university followed in 1975.
The Dux 2025, Olivia Lolohea, said the theme for the anniversary was 'Lighting a Unique Path'. She said that her late grandfather and the founder of 'Atenisi, Futa Helu, had warned against the temptation of narrow expertise.
"He urged us not to miss the forest while focusing only on the trees," she said. "Instead, he called us to cultivate independant thought - to question, to reason and to analyze.
"That is the gift of 'Atenisi, a place where critical inquiry is the core, where culture and community are cherished and where education is liberation - a light that frees the mind.
"May we each light a unique path—one that honours our heritage, embraces the world, and shines brightly for generations to come," Olivia said.
Five graduates in 2025 were:
- Mathew Paul Fatongia Kalaniuvalu - Bachelor of Arts with Distinction
- Placido Amadeo Lolohea - Bachelor of Arts with Distinction
- 'Olivia 'Ulukilupetea Lolohea - Bachelor of Arts, Dux with High Distinction
- Soloni Lutui - Master of Science: Philosophy of Physics
- Vasalua Jenner-Helu - Doctoral Candidacy: Linguistics.
Accreditation
The Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. 'Aisake Valu Eke, in a keynote address, questioned why 'Atenisi's undergraduate degrees were not recognized by the Tonga National Qualifications Authority (TNQAB) but were recognized by foreign universities, including the University of Illinois and the University of Auckland.
"We must try and do something to the local process to change this kind of thing." PM Eke said, adding that the gathering of his new government will ensure that the accreditation standards of the TNQAB will be revised.
Graduates and staff were joined at the celebration by representatives from the University of the South Pacific, University of Fiji and Tonga National University. Guests included Mr. Lorenz Gonschor, Senior Lecturer in Political Science from USP, Miss Nikhat, Academic Development Officer from the UOF and Mrs Tangikina Moimoi Steen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Tonga National University.
The representatives said 'Atenisi had made an important contribution in cultivating young and curious minds over the years since its establishment in the 1960s.
'Atenisi undergraduate students, Tevita Molisi Manu'atu and 'Okusitino Mafile'o Tae are currently pursuing their postgraduate degrees at the University of Illinois.
