The Higher Education Commission of Fiji (HECF) has mandated that all student recruitment agencies operating within the country must halt their operations immediately and reach out to the HECF to register formally. This directive comes in response to a thorough review that found significant fragmentation and a lack of regulation in the current student recruitment landscape. Numerous agencies were discovered to be functioning outside of established legal and institutional frameworks.
This disarray has raised serious concerns about systemic non-compliance, potentially putting students and their families at considerable risk. Such vulnerabilities not only threaten individual educational journeys but also undermine the constitutional right to education in Fiji, jeopardizing the nation’s standing in the global educational community.
The HECF, operating under the Higher Education Act of 2008, is charged with protecting national interests, ensuring student welfare, and maintaining the integrity of higher education in Fiji. In light of these findings, the Commission plans to establish a structured policy framework that will restore order and compliance among recruitment agencies, while also coordinating regulation with other relevant government entities.
The HECF urges all student recruitment agencies to suspend their operations right away and adhere to registration requirements. Additionally, students and parents are advised to verify the legitimacy of any education placement services before making any financial commitments. They are encouraged to contact the HECF for guidance and reference, ensuring they choose credible and compliant services.
This initiative represents a significant step towards safeguarding the educational environment in Fiji, aiming to build a trustworthy system that benefits students and upholds the reputation of the nation in higher education.
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