Fiscal Review Committee Chair Richard Naidu says Fiji's education system is not fit for purpose and is failing to produce a workforce with strong literacy and critical thinking skills.
During the question-and-answer session of a panel discussion at the State of the Fijian Economy Dialogue 2026, Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) General Secretary, Simione Rasova raised concerns about remarks made earlier that the education sector was not fit for purpose.
Rasova says the current government inherited any neglect that existed in the sector when it took office in 2023.
Noting that the election campaign period has now commenced, he asked the panel to clarify what exactly was meant by the statement.
Responding, Naidu acknowledged that he made the comment, explaining that it was based on his experience as an employer and discussions with other employers.
INSERT: Naidu on education sector 10th June
Naidu stressed that the issue is becoming increasingly important as artificial intelligence continues to widen the gap between developed and developing countries.
He says discussions on international competitiveness 20 years ago focused on the digital divide and how countries with stronger digital capabilities would dominate the developing world.
According to Naidu, artificial intelligence has now supercharged that divide.
He warned that Fiji risks falling further behind if it is not prepared for the changes ahead.
He adds that if Fiji wants to participate in an open global economy, it must remain competitive and cannot afford to stand still.
Former Education Minister and Senior Economist at The University of the South Pacific, Dr Mahendra Reddy declined to respond directly to questions about whether the education system is fit for purpose, saying that whoever made the comment should defend it.
However, he addressed comments regarding the previous government's management of the education sector.
INSERT: Reddy on education 10th June
