Civil service examinations have made a comeback after nearly a decade, with the first group of officers successfully completing their training at the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service. A total of forty-one officers graduated from the Introduction to Government Machineries course, marking a significant milestone for the public service as this was the first cohort to finish the program since its suspension in 2015.
Luke Rokovada, Chair of the Public Service Commission, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “Today marks an important milestone for the Fiji Public Service as we have just completed Cohort One of the Service Exam: Introduction to Government Machineries, and I commend every officer who has successfully completed this programme.”
Rokovada clarified that the examinations were not intended to complicate entry into the public service but aimed to ensure a uniform understanding of government systems, public service standards, and a commitment to service excellence among officers. The reintroduction of these examinations seeks to enhance recruitment and training within the workforce, currently being piloted across five different ministries.
New graduate Jona Bolatabanivau expressed that the course significantly improved his understanding of public service operations, indicating that the training would enable him to provide better services to the community. Meanwhile, Atelaite Rokosuka, head of the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service, noted that the initiative is in line with a Cabinet directive, urging civil servants who have yet to be trained through the service exams to take advantage of this opportunity, as it offers a valuable chance to enhance their knowledge in public service.
Looking ahead, plans are in place for the program to expand to all ministries starting in March, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering a well-trained and competitive public service workforce.