Civil service examinations in Fiji have reemerged after almost a decade, with the inaugural group of officers completing their training at the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service. This milestone was marked by the graduation of forty-one officers from the Introduction to Government Machineries course, making it the first successful completion of such a program since its suspension in 2015.
Luke Rokovada, the Chair of the Public Service Commission, highlighted the significance of this accomplishment, 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.” He underscored that the goal of reintroducing these examinations was not to complicate access to the public service but to establish a common understanding of government systems and public service standards, promoting a commitment to excellence among officers.
The reestablishment of civil service examinations aims to bolster recruitment and training processes across various ministries, with a pilot currently underway in five departments. Graduates like Jona Bolatabanivau shared that the course notably enhanced his comprehension of public service operations, which he believes will allow him to offer improved services to the community. Atelaite Rokosuka, head of the Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service, remarked that this initiative aligns with a Cabinet directive, encouraging civil servants who have not yet undergone training through the service exams to seize this valuable opportunity to enhance their public service knowledge.
Looking toward the future, there are plans to widen the program’s reach, with an expansion set to commence across all ministries in March. This move reflects the government’s dedication to cultivating a well-trained and competitive workforce within the public service, promising a brighter future for Fiji’s public administration. This renewed investment in training not only uplifts individual officers but also promotes a culture of excellence and accountability in government services.