A diplomat, who is also an alumnus of The University of the South Pacific (USP), is currently pursuing further education after a lapse of more than three decades.
Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Mr Patteson Oti is pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Diplomacy and International Affairs through the University’s School of Government, Development and International Affairs (SGDIA).
Mr Oti said that one should never stop learning and this is what drove him to continue his education at the University.
Graduating from USP in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History/Politics and Public Administration, Mr Oti decided to take this course to strengthen his career in diplomacy.
“This qualification would add a notch to my curriculum vitae. In terms of practical benefit, I view it as reinforcement to the application of skills in my diplomatic career,” Mr Oti said.
“The first few introductory classes have been really helpful because I have noted that there are issues, theories and principles governing the conduct of international relations in the behaviour of states in the global arena, that I, as a practitioner had taken for granted,” he added.
One of the challenges, Mr Oti came across after a study lapse of more than 30 years, is the use of technology and ICTs as part of classes at USP.
“With modern technology in place, the mode of delivery of teaching is now entirely computerised,” he stated.
Mr Oti was commissioned as the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Fiji on March 2012 and has been serving on this position to date.