Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua has voiced concern regarding racist comments that emerged online about the distribution of scholarships in 2025, particularly those aimed at the iTaukei community. This reaction follows a widespread discussion about the allocation of 8,700 scholarships, with iTaukei students receiving the lion’s share, accounting for 71% of the total awards.
According to data from the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS), out of the scholarships granted, 6,181 went to iTaukei students, while Fijians of Indian descent received 2,278. The breakdown also included 74 for Rotumans, 2 for Chinese students, and 165 awarded to others. Tikoduadua emphasized that the distribution was executed in alignment with population proportions, asserting there was no bias involved. “We must not equate merit with a particular ethnic group,” he stated, highlighting the importance of recognizing talent across all communities.
Tikoduadua urged the Fijian people to remain mindful of the repercussions their words can have and called for collective efforts toward racial healing. Similarly, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro indicated that he would seek clarification from TSLS on the scholarship allocation, reinforcing that the awards were based on specific application criteria.
Past commentary from Radrodro has highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, particularly in the realm of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which aligns closely with labor market needs. The ongoing investment in education has increased opportunities for women, as evidenced by a recent report noting that 55% of scholarship recipients this year are female, signifying a healthy shift towards gender inclusivity and empowerment.
Overall, the emphasis on equitable distribution, merit-based scholarship offerings, and commitment to education reform reflects a hopeful outlook for the future of Fijian youth, promoting a skilled workforce that is essential for national growth and unity.
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