FIJI should consider using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance its education landscape, says Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) board director Arvind Maharaj.
He told a panel discussion on higher education, organised by Dialogue Fiji in Suva, that integrating AI and digital literacy into educational curricula was vital to equip students with necessary technological skills for future jobs.
However, he said this integration should also include developing an ethical awareness of AI’s broader societal impacts to ensure responsible technology use.
“I urge the Government to foster educational innovation, including modernising accreditation processes and investing in technology to enhance accessibility, particularly in remote areas,” Mr Maharaj said.
“It is crucial for the Government to provide clear guidance on the combination of skills and training needed to meet the evolving demands of both the private and public sectors.”
Mr Maharaj said the nation’s teacher shortage could be addressed using AI and that integrating AI tools in the education system could improve teacher-student ratios and enhance teacher efficiency by automating routine administrative tasks.
“This allows teachers to concentrate on high-value educational activities, making the teaching profession more attractive and effective.
“Ensuring teachers are properly trained to use these tools will be essential for maximising the benefits and acceptance.”
Mr Maharaj also called for the set-up of university innovation hubs in the country’s tertiary institutions with the support and partnership of the private sector.
“Now, this is also important, perhaps backed by the private sector to foster entrepreneurship and develop industry-relevant solutions through professional upskilling, introducing flexible courses tailored to upskill and reskilling the existing workforce in line with evolving industry demands, promoting lifelong learning.
“Applied research partnerships enable joint research projects between universities and industry, driving innovation while exposing students to cutting edge practices.”
Mr Maharaj said it was important to have two-way feedback to establish formal mechanisms like industry panels, advisory boards and annual post reviews to continually align curricula with changing market requirements through mutual feedback.
