FHEC Acting Director Dr. Nikhat Shameem says the commission is clear on its mandate to ensure Fijians are able to access education that is quality assured.

The Fiji Higher Education Commission in the last two years has had several cases of complaints with 11 institutions of higher learning.

FHEC Acting Director Dr. Nikhat Shameem says the commission is clear on its mandate to ensure Fijians are able to access education that is quality assured, recognized and accredited.

Despite the legislation being clear on what is required of these institutions and the measures they need to meet, a number of organizations have fallen short.

“Most of the complaints to date have come from parents and students but we’ve also received complaints from staff of various institutions. Each is dealt with on its own needs and merit, there’s not one size fit all approach.”

Dr. Shameem adds that while these institutions are under review, none of them have been closed down as yet.

Meanwhile, as part of the commission’s work, they are in the process of recognizing and registering the existing education providers.

To date, 39 institutions of higher learning have been recognized and accredited by the FHEC.

Of the 68 institutions that exist, there remains 29 that have yet to complete their registration.