Fiji’s education sector is worth $350 million, according to Oceania Education & Technology Solutions (OETS) CEO Hasmukh Lal.
Speaking during the launch of Oceania Institute of Technology (OIT) — a subsidiary of OETS — in Nadi last Saturday, Mr Lal said the dynamics in the education sector were rapidly changing.
“Having been in the tertiary education sector for almost 18 years, and 12 years in leadership roles, I am well acquainted with the nuances and intricacies of the sector. The dynamics are fast changing with each generation in the system,” he said.
“And the next generation, Alpha, will be technology-integrated and globally connected.
“In Fiji’s context, $150 million is allocated for scholarship funding, $100 million for operational grants to tertiary institutions, TSLS (Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Service), and the Higher Education Commission of Fiji.
“As per the 2025 annual report of FNPF (Fiji National Provident Fund), $40 million was used for education assistance and development partner operating grants, while scholarship spending in Fiji is around $25 million. Other scholarships and private fee-paying programs account for around $10 million, with $25 million from 1 per cent levy collections, bringing the total to a conservative estimate of $350 million in annual public and private investment in the tertiary education sector.”
He said the size of this investment calls for a review and strengthening of laws so the Government and public sector can achieve better returns.
“The total size of the tertiary education industry gives enough confidence for the emergence of private providers. The government should explore public-private partnerships to meet the country’s human capital development, if not fully met by publicly funded institutions,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Lal said OIT has a Pacific focus and will begin consultations with governments and private sector organisations.
“OIT will establish a Centre for Entrepreneurship & Community Empowerment to make a societal and cultural impact.”
The former TSLS CEO invested $1 million in the newly established institution, based at Challenge Plaza in Namaka, Nadi.
The Pacific Hub is currently enrolling students, with trimester one scheduled to begin at the end of February.
