The Fiji Higher Education Commission is set to undertake an independent audit of the Education Review Committee’s report concerning the nation’s major tertiary institutions: the University of the South Pacific (USP), Fiji National University (FNU), and the University of Fiji. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro announced this initiative while providing an update on the ERC’s findings.
Minister Radrodro explained that the integrity of the ERC report had been called into question, prompting the commission to engage an independent consultant for a thorough audit of the findings. Both USP and FNU have voiced strong objections to the report, challenging its credibility. FNU criticized the report for lacking objectivity and being based on hearsay, while USP deemed it methodologically unsound and inconsistent with evaluations from recognized accrediting agencies.
Amidst the rejection of the report’s conclusions, the Higher Education Commission is actively holding consultations with both universities. The independent audit is anticipated to be completed between September and November 2025, with the final report and all findings expected to be presented in December 2025.
This situation underscores the ongoing necessity for transparency and accountability in Fiji’s education sector, as noted in previous discussions regarding governance and quality assurance. The independent audit represents a commitment by the government and educational institutions to resolve discrepancies and enhance the credibility of the higher education system.
As reforms and discussions evolve, there is hope for constructive change, which could ultimately benefit students and improve educational quality across Fiji. The push for thorough evaluations reflects a collective desire for a more robust educational framework, fostering trust and ensuring that institutional governance meets both local and international standards.
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