Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has asked the Fiji Higher Education Commission to explain its decision to withhold funding for Pacific Polytech, stressing that government funding must come with clear transparency and accountability. While the ministry respects the commission’s regulatory process, Radrodro underscored that public funds require open oversight to protect resources and guarantee quality education for Fiji’s students.
“Our priority is always the welfare of our students,” Radrodro said in a statement. “Service providers who receive public funds must meet the basic standards set by the FHEC to safeguard resources and ensure quality education.” The minister warned that the issue is urgent, given thousands of students currently enrolled and more expected to join during the September intake. He added that the ministry would continue working closely with the FHEC to ensure compliance and that Fiji’s students receive the best education to prepare them for the labour market.
The policy backdrop is nuanced. Earlier discussions around Pacific Polytech have highlighted ongoing government support for vocational pathways within Fiji’s education system. In some instances, funding allocations have been publicly debated and adjusted based on proposals, assessments, and grant processes managed by the commission. Proponents argue that Polytech and similar institutions provide crucial second chances and job-focused qualifications for youths at risk of leaving traditional schooling, helping address labour market needs and skills shortages.
At the same time, questions have been raised about financial accountability and reporting. Critics have called for greater scrutiny of Polytech’s finances as government grants to the institution have grown in recent years, with discussions noting that audited accounts and bankable reporting are essential for responsible governance. Officials have repeatedly stated that funds are disbursed only after proper grant agreements, acquittals, and approvals are in place, and that audits for institutions receiving public funds have, to date, shown no major concerns.
Polytech’s funding has been framed within broader efforts to boost technical and vocational training across Fiji. Government officials have pointed to the positive impact of vocational options on youth employment, noting that more than 1,100 students have completed national qualifications through related programs since the institution’s operations expanded in 2023. The system emphasizes quarterly financial reports and program audits as part of normal funding cycles, with the Higher Education Commission overseeing program approvals and ensuring compliance before subsequent grant releases.
Radrodro’s remarks align with a sustained push to ensure accountability while continuing to support vocational education. The ongoing collaboration between the ministry and the FHEC aims to keep pathways open for students and to ensure that public funds are used efficiently to improve educational outcomes and prepare graduates for the labour market.
What this means for students is that while funding decisions can change as part of regulatory and accountability processes, the government remains committed to transparent funding practices and to safeguarding educational quality. If Polytech remains compliant with reporting and auditing requirements, and if program approvals stay in place, the path for continued support and growth of vocational training remains a central goal of Fiji’s education strategy.
Summary: The education minister is seeking clarity on a funding hold for Pacific Polytech, reiterating the need for transparency and accountability in government grants to higher education institutions. The move fits within a broader framework of regulatory oversight, quarterly reporting, and audits designed to protect resources while maintaining access to vocational training that supports Fiji’s workforce.
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