Nabilah S
Tertiary institutions are set to receive $91 million in the 2024/2025 National Budget. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, announced this in parliament, emphasizing that upon taking office, the government reinstated the grant for USP and committed to settling the amount owed after conflicts with the previous administration.
Professor Prasad highlighted the importance of demonstrating the government’s reliability in fulfilling its promises. He noted that they quickly secured funding, paying $10 million initially, followed by $20 million in the last Budget. An additional $5 million has been allocated for the remaining outstanding grant.
Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that $33.5 million is allocated to USP as its regular grant for this year.
Prof. Prasad has announced that the Fiji National University will receive a funding grant of $36.5 million. Additionally, the Ministry of Education has begun reviewing tertiary education institutions, including FNU, with a focus on enhancing quality.
The University of Fiji is also allocated an increased grant of $5 million, with $1 million designated for constructing the Center for i-Taukei Studies. This center aims to support the preservation and promotion of indigenous Fijian art and culture through teaching, research, and publication.
The Deputy Prime Minister has stated that the government has supported Pacific Polytech over the past two years, resulting in a significant impact on the provision of technical training in Fiji to address the current labor market shortage.
He notes that this institution serves many young people who have fallen through the cracks in terms of completing their education or qualifying for a trade – the majority of whom are iTaukei students. He emphasizes that the government must address this issue to provide these individuals with a second chance at a more meaningful future.
Professor Prasad highlights that since its inception in August 2023, more than 1,100 students have completed various national qualifications under the Fiji National Qualification Framework.
To further support this initiative, especially in light of the exodus of many workers, the government is increasing its grant to Pacific Polytech by $5 million.
The Deputy Prime Minister announced that the Sangam Institute of Technology has been allocated a budget of $545,000 for its operations. Additionally, $1 million has been allocated for capital works to expand its infrastructure in Labasa and to commence the establishment of a new nursing school facility in Nadi. He mentioned that this funding will be provided over two fiscal years as the work progresses.
Professor Prasad stated that a total of $2.2 million has also been allocated to Corpus Christi, Fulton College, Montfort Technical Institute, Monfort Boys Town, and Vivekananda Technical
Centre, along with two new institutions: Caregivers Training Institute and ServicePro International Tourism Hospitality Institute.
