Fiji’s education sector has been valued at $350 million, according to Hasmukh Lal, CEO of Oceania Education & Technology Solutions (OETS). During the opening of the Oceania Institute of Technology (OIT) in Nadi, Mr. Lal emphasized the rapid evolution occurring within the tertiary education landscape.
With nearly two decades of experience in higher education, including twelve years in leadership, Mr. Lal noted that the sector is continuously adapting to the needs of each new generation, particularly Generation Alpha, which he describes as being more integrated with technology and globally connected. He highlighted the significant financial commitments being made to education in Fiji, which include $150 million earmarked for scholarships, $100 million allocated for operational grants to tertiary institutions, and additional funding from the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service (TSLS) and the Higher Education Commission of Fiji.
According to the annual report for 2025 from the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), $40 million has been dedicated to educational assistance and development partner grants, with scholarship expenditures amounting to approximately $25 million. Furthermore, the total from other scholarships and private fee-paying programs is estimated to be around $10 million while an additional $25 million comes from levy collections. This amalgamation of investments underscores the importance of continuous improvement in the educational framework, and Mr. Lal advocates for an evaluation of laws to enhance returns on these investments.
Mr. Lal believes that such a substantial investment paves the way for increased participation from private educational providers. He suggests that the government should consider fostering public-private partnerships to bolster human capital development when public institutions cannot fulfill the need entirely.
OIT is set to focus on the Pacific region and plans to engage with government and private sector entities. A key initiative is the establishment of a Centre for Entrepreneurship & Community Empowerment, which aims to create a significant societal and cultural impact. As the former CEO of TSLS, Mr. Lal has personally invested $1 million into OIT, which is located at Challenge Plaza in Namaka, Nadi. The new institution is currently enrolling students, with its first trimester expected to commence at the end of February.
This initiative highlights a positive step forward for the education sector in Fiji, reflecting a commitment to development and the future needs of students and the economy.
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