The Chair of the Higher Education Commission Fiji, Mr. Steve Chand, yesterday ( Wednesday – 05/02/25) visited the two leading flying schools in Nadi, Advanced Aviation Academy and Pacific Flying School, to address important issues.

During his visit to Pacific Flying School, Mr. Chand was invited to speak with the students. In his address, he encouraged them to continue pursuing their dreams, emphasizing the critical values of perseverance and dedication.

“Remember, if for any reason you don’t complete the program here, it’s not the end of your journey,” he said. “Life offers many opportunities, and success is often born out of resilience and determination. Keep your goals in sight and push forward through challenges or unexpected detours. Stay focused, be adaptable, and always believe in your ability to achieve greatness.”

In addition to speaking with students, Mr. Chand met with the management of both schools, where he highlighted the importance of ensuring clear employment pathways for trainees. “As someone with industry experience, I believe that a qualification is only truly meaningful when it leads to actual employment,” he said, stressing the need for education and training to be closely aligned with job opportunities in the aviation sector.

The Chair of the Higher Education Commission Fiji, Mr. Steve Chand, recently visited the Nadroga Navosa Technical Institute (NNTI) with a team from the Ministry of Education to discuss its future development and opportunities for students.

During the visit, Mr. Chand announced that NNTI could be officially registered as a Higher Education Institute under the Ministry of Education. Currently, NNTI offers micro-credential programmes funded by the Tertiary Education Loans Scheme (TELS), including courses in Clothing & Food Production, Carpentry & Joinery, Automotive Mechanical, and Welding & Fabrication.

Mr. Chand approved NNTI’s progression into National Qualifications and advised the institution to collaborate closely with the Provincial Council to tailor its programmes to the needs of the local community.

Furthermore, Mr. Chand encouraged NNTI to evolve beyond a vocational institution, urging the institute to become a centre of excellence in higher education. This marks an exciting new chapter for NNTI and its students, offering expanded pathways for career development.

The Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) has officially welcomed its new fleet of vehicles in a traditional ceremony attended by the Minister for Education, Hon. Aseri Radrodro.

HECF has acquired a total of six vehicles, with one designated for the West and one for the North offices, aimed at improving the accessibility and efficiency of their operations across Fiji.

Rev. Sekope Waqa, the Methodist Minister for the Suva Circuit, was invited to bless the new fleet, marking a significant moment in the Commission’s efforts to enhance its services to the public.

In his remarks, Hon. Radrodro extended his heartfelt congratulations to HECF for this milestone. “The acquisition of these vehicles marks an important step forward in our efforts to enhance the accessibility, effectiveness, and reach of our educational services across Fiji,” he said.

The Minister also emphasized the responsibility that comes with these new resources, urging HECF to ensure that they are used wisely and sustainably. “Let us be mindful of the responsibilities that come with this new capacity—striving to bring positive change, enhance learning opportunities, and foster a culture of innovation and excellence in higher education,” Hon. Radrodro added.

The new fleet is expected to help strengthen the Commission’s operations, especially in rural and remote areas, ensuring that higher education services are more accessible to all Fijians.