The Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) Chairman Steven Chand has stated that the commission is not in the business of funding unemployment.
“All Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) must submit their graduate employment surveys as evidence that their graduates are gainfully employed or enter entrepreneurship upon graduation and do not remain unemployed,” said Mr. Chand.
“This destination survey is now mandatory for all HEIs.”
Mr. Chand added that if any Higher Education Institution fails to meet this requirement, it would result in the HECF withholding grants.
“The quality and employability of qualifications are critically assessed,” explained Mr. Chand. “A strict check and balance procedure is imposed.”
For transparency purposes, details of disbursed funds are made available to the public with the same information posted on their website, said Mr. Chand.
“We are keen to ensure that any investment of taxpayers’ dollars is justified and a return for the Government is achieved.”