FNU strengthens regional partnerships through education in customs

In a bid to help customs officers in Fiji access proper education and training to meet the evolving challenges of border management in the 21st century, the Fiji National University has collaborated with the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies to help customs officers in Fiji.

Oceania Customs Organisation Head of Secretariat, Nancy Oraka says the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding between FNU and OCO is a strategic partnership at the FNU Namaka Campus.

Oraka says that the signing of the MOU now creates a seamless educational pathway for customs officers, extending from Certificate level qualifications through to Diploma, Bachelor's Degree, and potentially Master's level studies in the future.

She says the program to be developed included the revised Diploma in Customs and the new Bachelor's in Customs and Border Management program, which will be offered at rates that would be more affordable for Pacific Islander students, with costs denominated in Fijian dollars.

Oraka stresses that this approach aligns perfectly with their commitment to removing barriers to professional development for customs officers across our region.

She adds they are grateful for their strong partnership with Charles Sturt University's CCES.

She says having both universities involved meant that Pacific customs officers would now be able to access more complete and locally relevant training options.

CCES Chief Executive Officer, Professor David Widdowson says that he witnessed the progress of this program for quite some time.

Widdowson says in 1998 he was in Fiji, and they were having discussions with the Fiji Institute of Technology, now known as the Fiji National University as it was at the time to implement a certificate program.

FNU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Technical and Vocational Education and Training Pasifika and National Training and Productivity Center, Dr Isimeli Tagicakiverata highlighted that the programs would be available to both Fiji and the broader region, targeting customs officers, industry employees, and school leavers.

Tagicakiverata says together, they will accomplish many great things for their students.