A total of 242 students proudly graduated yesterday as the inaugural cohort from the newly-established Oceania Institute of Technology (OIT). The diverse programs offered at the institute included vocational literacy and numeracy, tourism and hospitality, performing arts, women in small business, and community tailoring.
Hasmukh Lal, the group CEO of OIT, emphasized the institute’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of communities in Fiji and the larger Pacific region, particularly focusing on the human resource requirements of the private sector. “The focus of OIT will be on quality and relevance, and from next year we’ll be starting with our certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas in the areas of tourism and hospitality, education and arts, technology and engineering, and also business and commerce,” Mr. Lal stated.
In line with future developments, he announced plans to introduce a bachelor’s program in two years, tailored to the needs of the industry. Additionally, Mr. Lal highlighted the importance of the micro qualification grant, initiated during his tenure as CEO for the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service four years ago, targeting key sectors such as tourism, automotive, and construction. This grant, funded by the Fijian Government, is designed to pave the way for entrepreneurship among students.
Samuela Tuidraki, a representative of the Tui Nadi, officiated as the chief guest and urged the Government and training institutions to collaborate with community leaders to incentivize more students to enroll in such programs. Notably, Mr. Tuidraki pointed out that 84 percent of the graduating students were female, showcasing a significant accomplishment in promoting women’s participation in education and vocational training.
This successful graduation marks a promising step towards enhancing educational opportunities and workforce readiness in Fiji, fostering the growth of a skilled labor force that aligns with market demands.
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