The Queen Victoria School hosted its Annual Awards Day on the 28th of November, 2025 along with the launch of its Strategic Development Plan where the Director of the HECF, Dr Eci Naisele officiated as the Chief Guest.

As a former student of the school, the Director emphasized the importance of having pride in the school and carrying the spirit of a Victorian wherever they go. Together with his enlightenment on the critical role of the FHEC and its standing in the space of higher learning, he stressed the significance of TVET for our disengaged learners. “Education, my friends, is not just a qualification — it is a pathway to dignity, purpose, and hope” were his words in pointing out the fundamentals of education.

Dr. Naisele urged students to stay committed to their education and not become part of the school dropout statistics. He encouraged the Kai Vulinitu to be true leaders — to stand firm against drugs, guide their peers, and embody the values of a true Victorian who leads, protects, and uplifts others.

He reminded students to:

1. Honour God in all they do, as true success begins with humility and faith.

2. Stay curious and keep learning, remaining adaptable in a rapidly changing world.

3. Make choices with integrity, letting honesty, respect, and humility guide their actions.

4. Serve their community and country, using their talents to uplift their families, communities, and Fiji

In this celebration of academic excellence, the school commemorated its milestone achievement in the areas of academic, sports and particularly its SDP. More than 100 students graduated with certificates of recognition and completion certifying their success and contribution in the school.

The Fiji Government has allocated $2,453,478 in capital grant funding to the University of Fiji for the establishment of the Centre for iTaukei and Hindi Studies.

The grant agreement was formally signed by Mr. Ravindra Deo Varaman, a Council Member representing the University of Fiji, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, and HECF Chair, Mr. Steve Chand, with the signing witnessed by HECF Commission Member, Rt. Inoke Momoedonu.

In his remarks, Mr. Chand reminded attendees of the deeper significance behind such allocations.

“Let us remember that these allocations are not just figures on paper. They represent the hard-earned contributions of Fijians across the country, and they come with an expectation of positive returns for our people and our nation,” he said.

The University of Fiji team expressed their gratitude to the Government for its continued support and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the project delivers meaningful outcomes for Fijian communities.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new centre is scheduled for 8 December, with the project expected to be completed by 2026.

The Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) and the University of the South Pacific (USP) held a special grant signing ceremony to formalize the disbursement of government funding to the regional institution.

In attendance from USP were the USP Council Chair and Pro-Chancellor, the Right Hon. Ulu Atonio Utoikamanu, the Manager Strategic and International Partnerships, Mr. Aneet Kumar, and Ms. Elina Volavola.

Right Hon. Utoikamanu conveyed appreciation to the Fiji Coalition Government for the continued financial support through the special grant. He reaffirmed USP’s commitment to supporting HECF in its initiatives and to further strengthening the partnership between the two institutions.

Speaking at the ceremony, HECF Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Steve Chand, commended USP for its consistency and diligence in meeting reporting requirements.

“We commend USP for its consistent promptness in submitting quarterly acquittals. Your diligence sets a standard for others to follow,” Mr. Chand said.

He further noted that the signing marked more than a routine process.

“Today’s signing is more than a formality—it is a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility. Together, let us ensure that these resources bring tangible benefits, strengthen our communities, and build a prosperous and climate-resilient Fiji,” he added

The Chair of the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) ,Mr Steve Chand, who officiated as Chief Guest at the 2025 Pacific Theological College (PTC) Graduation, commended the institution and its graduates for their outstanding academic achievements and contribution to theological education in the Pacific.

In his address, the Chair congratulated the two Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma ministers who made history as the only PhD graduates during this year’s ceremony. He highlighted their accomplishments as a reflection of the growing academic excellence and leadership within Fiji’s higher education landscape.

“It is encouraging to see Pacific Theological College and Pasifika Communities University providing clear pathways for students to pursue higher degrees in theological education. This not only strengthens academic and spiritual leadership within our region but also ensures that knowledge and faith continue to grow hand in hand—equipping graduates to serve their communities with wisdom and integrity,” he said.

Among the graduates, Reverend Dr. Marika Bale achieved a historic milestone as the first minister of the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma to successfully defend his thesis and be awarded a Doctor of Philosophy from Pasifika Communities University. His achievement is a source of immense pride for the Church, the academic community, and the people of Fiji and Rotuma.

Also recognized was Reverend Dr. Taniela Ratawa, 47, who became the first from his province to graduate with a PhD in Theology and Ethics. He was further honoured with the Pasifika Itulagi Academic Award, the highest academic award of the ceremony.

A total of 77 students graduated from PTC this year, joining the two PhD recipients in celebrating their academic success and commitment to service and faith in the Pacific.

The Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) signed a partnership agreement with Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) on 10 November 2025, marking a significant step toward strengthening collaboration and capacity-building within Fiji’s higher education sector.

In announcing the partnership, HECF Chair Mr. Steve Chand said the agreement would enable the placement of skilled volunteers who will work alongside HECF staff on targeted projects that address institutional needs and priorities.

“Through this agreement, we will benefit from the placement of skilled volunteers who will work closely with our staff on assignments that address specific institutional needs and priorities,” Mr. Chand said.

“For HECF, this partnership also aligns with our broader mandate to support continuous professional development and institutional learning. It will help us nurture a culture of innovation, efficiency, and evidence-based decision-making — qualities that are essential for a strong and responsive higher education sector.”

VSA Deputy CEO and Director of Programmes & Volunteer Services, Ms. Michelle Evan, described the partnership as a milestone for VSA, noting that HECF plays a central role in regulating higher education and training in Fiji.

VSA Fiji Programme Manager, Ms. Emma Christopher, also highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating that it would now allow VSA to better coordinate with higher education institutions through HECF.

The agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing institutional capacity, knowledge sharing, and collaboration in support of Fiji’s human resource development goals

November marks a season of celebration for many graduates across Fiji, and this year the LDS Church College proudly held its inaugural graduation ceremony for participants in its Adult TVET Programme.

A total of 107 adult learners, with an average age of 35, successfully completed ten weeks of evening classes in 3 National Certificate programmes including Automotive Mechanics (Level 2), Cabinet Making and Joinery (Level 2), Cookery (Level 4), and the Microsoft Office Suite (MOS). The programme was designed primarily for church members, with future intakes expected to include limited spaces for non-members.

The ceremony’s Chief Guest, Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) Director, Dr. Eci Naisele, commended the graduates for their dedication and perseverance in balancing family, work, and study.

In his address, Dr. Naisele highlighted the importance of lifelong learning, saying:

“Lifelong learning is a value that reminds us that education does not end with a certificate or a graduation ceremony—it is a continuous journey of growth and discovery. Each of us continues to learn throughout our lives, adapting to new challenges and opportunities.”

He further encouraged the graduates to apply their new skills for the greater good:

“Use your skills to serve and inspire others. The knowledge and training you have gained are not just for your personal success, but for the betterment of your families, your communities, and our nation. True success lies not only in what you achieve, but in how you use your talents to uplift others. Success is not what you have, but who you become and how you help others rise.”