The Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem, has put the development of new academic programs on hold, demanding transparency from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) regarding a review conducted on the country’s three major universities. She expressed concerns about allegations of integrity involving the External Review Committee (ERC) and insisted on the need for an audit of its findings.
Shameem criticized the HEC for not informing the university about these integrity allegations related to the ERC’s membership. She voiced her frustration over the ongoing delays, stating, “We are now fed up,” and called attention to the significant impact these setbacks have had on the university’s Strategic Plan for 2022-2026.
The controversy reflects broader issues in Fiji’s higher education system, as highlighted by recent calls for investigations into governance at institutions like the University of the South Pacific due to similar integrity concerns. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has proposed engaging an independent consultant to audit the ERC’s process, aiming to restore trust and accountability in the review outcomes.
As the educational landscape evolves, the need for effective governance and transparency is paramount. These efforts indicate a commitment to address the underlying issues within the education sector, striving for improvements that could ultimately enhance the quality and credibility of higher education in Fiji.
It’s a challenging time for universities in Fiji, but the continuous dialogue between academic leaders and governing bodies is a hopeful sign of progress toward a more robust and reliable educational framework. By addressing these critical issues head-on, there is potential for reform and reconsolidation of trust among stakeholders involved in higher education.
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