Participants at the 2025 Industry & Community Discussion Forum at the Tanoa Hotel in Rakiraki.

The Fiji National University’s (FNU) National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) held critical discussions with members of the Tavua/Rakiraki communities last week, as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships and shaping the future of education in Fiji.

The discussions, last Wednesday, were part of the NTPC’s first 2025 Industry & Community Discussion Forum (ICDF) in the Western Division which took place at the Tanoa Hotel in Rakiraki.

The ICDF also brought together industry representatives, business owners and entrepreneurs, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and community leaders, including organisations and training providers.

FNU representatives shared insights into current programs, opportunities, and upcoming initiatives designed to ensure accessible, quality education for all Fijians.

Speaking at the event, FNU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) Pasifika and NTPC, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata said the stakeholders were important to the FNU as the University stood committed to providing its service to Government and all Fijians.

FNU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor TVET Pasifika and NTPC, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata.

“As the national university, it is our responsibility to respond to the urgent needs, expectations, agendas, plans and priorities of Government. At the same time, we are here because we would like to hear from you the stakeholders, we want to know what we can do for you, your community, your village, your industry and your employees,” said Dr Tagicakiverata.

“We want to establish a relationship within the national university and you, our stakeholders.”

Government Grant

Rakiraki’s prominent businessman and former Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, George Shiu Raj at the discussion, commented that the Government must increase the budget given to the FNU.

“I want to see that more budget would be given to the Fiji National University. It is a positive thing to do for our country and for our young ones,” Raj highlighted.

“The only thing I need to request to the Government of the day is please, do not reduce the budget because that budget is for education and for our generations to come.

“The main purpose for any development is the finance, which needs to be very strong. There are new intakes of staff and I am requesting the Government, when they have a $36million budget, why not increase it to $70million, so that the young ones that are in the village, in the settlements too get a scholarship to study at the FNU.”

George Shiu Raj.

Dr Tagicakiverata added the University relied on Government grant.

Raj also commended the work delivered by the FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, in delivering all visions planned.

FNU is committed to working closely with communities across all parts of Fiji to ensure that every young person can access quality education at FNU.