In four years, Fiji is expected to benefit from the government’s investment in quality education and research degrees, according to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro. During his Ministerial statement in Parliament, he highlighted concerns raised by students funded through the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service (TSLS) who visited Australia. These students emphasized the need to review the education curriculum to facilitate smoother transitions from secondary school to university, particularly in subjects like mathematics, physics, and computer science.
Radrodro noted the significant differences between what students learn in Year 13 in Fiji and what is taught in overseas universities. He emphasized that the Coalition Government is committed to making substantial progress in education development. With an increase in undergraduate scholarship quotas and new scholarship schemes, more Fijians will have opportunities for quality education in Australia and New Zealand.
He acknowledged the Australian Awards Scholarships provided to Fijian citizens but pointed out the lack of monitoring regarding how long graduates remain in Fiji after completing their studies. Discussions with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Canberra focused on establishing a bonding system for students awarded Australian scholarships through TSLS. This system would require graduates to serve a minimum of five years in Fiji before being released from their service bond.
Radrodro also highlighted that Fiji has experienced a loss of approximately 2.5 percent of its population through migration, with Australia being the most preferred destination. He acknowledged the government’s challenges in investing in workforce development while managing other national priorities.