University Fee Hikes: A Burden Too Heavy for Struggling Fijians?

Ketan Lal, the Shadow Minister for Justice, has expressed deep concerns regarding the financial strain that rising living costs are placing on Fijian families. He strongly urges universities to refrain from increasing their fees for the upcoming academic year. Lal emphasizes that while evaluating fees is a standard procedure, the current economic climate is not conducive for such changes.

“The financial struggles faced by ordinary Fijians, who are already dealing with escalating prices and economic uncertainties, must be taken into account by universities,” he stated. He acknowledged the existence of the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Scheme (TSLS) to assist students, but noted that many may still opt for private education due to the stringent bond obligations enforced by the Government.

For those students, an increase in fees would exacerbate their financial burdens. Lal pointed out that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has labeled the year 2025 as a “special year,” questioning how this could be the case when families are already struggling, and students may bear the weight of increased educational costs. He argued that mere rhetoric is insufficient; what is required are concrete measures to alleviate the hardships faced by Fijians.

Lal called for universities to show empathy and solidarity with their students and families by postponing any fee hikes. He also implored the Government to take action to maintain educational accessibility for all, noting that effective leadership involves improving people’s lives rather than merely issuing grand proclamations.

In essence, Lal advocates for a proactive approach to leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the people, particularly students, who are crucial for the nation’s future.

This article highlights a significant social issue affecting families and students in Fiji, as economic challenges continue to mount. There lies hope that through open dialogue and constructive policy changes, the voices of concern can lead to impactful solutions that safeguard educational access for all Fijians.