Ketan Lal, the Shadow Minister for Justice, has voiced concerns over potential fee increases at Fijian universities amidst the escalating cost of living that is already placing a significant strain on families. He emphasized that while periodic fee reviews are standard practice, now is not the appropriate time for such measures.

Lal urged universities to take into account the financial difficulties many ordinary Fijians are facing due to rising prices and ongoing economic uncertainty. He acknowledged the support offered by the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Scheme (TSLS), but pointed out that the strict bond requirements imposed by the government may compel some students to pursue education through private means. For these students, any increase in fees would impose an additional and potentially overwhelming financial burden.

The Minister criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s declaration of 2025 as a “special year,” suggesting that this rhetoric falls flat in light of the real struggles families endure daily, particularly concerning the affordability of education. Lal argued that without concrete actions to mitigate these issues, such proclamations are rendered meaningless.

He called on universities to act with compassion towards students and their families by suspending any planned fee hikes and urged the government to ensure that education remains accessible for all. Lal concluded that true leadership should prioritize improving the lives of citizens rather than making lofty statements, stating emphatically that the nation’s students, who represent the future, deserve better.

This commentary underscores the need for immediate and substantial support to ensure education affordability in Fiji. There is potential for positive change if both universities and the government choose to prioritize the needs of students during these challenging times, reinforcing the important role education plays in empowering the future leaders of the nation.