In four years, Fiji is set to benefit from the government’s investment in quality education and research degrees, according to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro. During his recent Ministerial statement in Parliament, Radrodro highlighted feedback from a Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service (TSLS) delegation that visited Australia, where sponsored students emphasized the need for a review of the education curriculum. This review aims to facilitate a smoother transition for students moving from secondary school to university, particularly in subjects such as mathematics, physics, and computer science.
Radrodro noted the significant disparity between the education received in Year 13 in Fiji and the curriculum taught at overseas universities. He expressed confidence in the Coalition Government’s commitment to education, stating that it would lead to substantial advancements in the country’s development goals.
Additionally, he announced an increase in the scholarship quota for undergraduate levels and the introduction of new scholarship schemes, allowing more Fijians to pursue quality education in Australia and New Zealand. He acknowledged the provisions of Australian Awards Scholarships for Fijian citizens but pointed out the lack of monitoring regarding how long these graduates remain in Fiji after completing their studies.
To address this issue, discussions were held with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Canberra about creating a bond for students awarded Australian scholarships through TSLS. This initiative aims to ensure that these graduates serve a minimum of five years in Fiji before being released from their obligations.
Radrodro further highlighted that Fiji has experienced a loss of approximately 2.5 percent of its population due to permanent and circular migration, with Australia being a favored destination. He acknowledged that the government faces competing priorities and challenges, making it difficult to invest in workforce development while addressing other national issues.