Lautoka, Fiji – [25 July 2024]

The Ba Provincial Council has expressed strong support for the initiative to establish a Higher Education Training Centre run by the Provincial Council. This significant endorsement came during today’s council meeting, where  Mr. Steve Chand, Chair of the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF), presented the initiative following an invitation from the Ba Provincial Council Education Committee.

The HECF had previously conducted consultations with the Education Committee to ensure the initiative aligns with the Council’s objectives and the community’s needs. By collaborating with the iTaukei Affairs Ministry and Provincial Councils, the HECF aims to establish training centers specifically designed to engage school dropouts. The initiative focuses on empowering individuals through tailored programs, bridging skills gaps, and providing direct skills training to Fijians within their communities.

These centers aim to equip young people with the necessary skills and education to succeed, thereby reducing the temptation to engage in drugs or other harmful activities due to a lack of direction and opportunities.

At the opening of the Ba Provincial Council meeting in Namoli Village, Lautoka, the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Honourable Ifereimi Vasu, emphasized the pivotal role of education in shaping the future of the iTaukei people. “Education is a crucial factor for our community to excel in business and other areas of development,” stated Hon. Vasu. “It is especially vital in protecting our young people from the growing challenges they face.”

With the endorsement from the Ba Provincial Council, the project is set to move forward.  The HECF is working with other Provincial Councils on the same initiative.

Suva , Fiji The Chair of the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF), Mr Steve Chand is calling upon Higher Education Institutions ( HEIs) nationwide to play a crucial role in combating the rising tide of drug abuse. HEIs  hold a unique position of influence and are well-equipped to drive change and make a significant impact in the fight against drugs.

“The government has made it clear that drug abuse is a battle we must fight on all fronts, and HEIs are uniquely positioned to empower our communities as the first line of defense against this threat,” stated Mr. Chand.

With drug use among youth reaching alarming levels, Mr. Chand emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive and proactive approach to address this critical issue. He calls for HEIs to implement strategies that not only educate young people about the dangers of drug use but also support them in making healthy choices.

Mr Chand explained that HEIs can advocate for policies that address drug use at the national and community levels, including improved access to education and mental health services.  HEIs should also have their comprehensive anti-drug policies that not only focus on prevention and awareness but also include support systems for students who may be struggling with substance abuse-related issues,” said Mr. Chand. “By implementing these policies, institutions can create a safer and healthier environment for learning and personal development

Mr. Chand also highlighted the role of research and innovation in addressing drug abuse. “HEIs can contribute by conducting research on drug trends, identifying root causes of substance abuse among youth, and developing innovative approaches to prevention and treatment,” he noted. “This knowledge can be instrumental in shaping effective policies and interventions.”

The HECF is collaborating with the iTaukei Affairs Ministry and Provincial Councils to establish training centers aimed at engaging school dropouts. These centers will provide educational opportunities for young people, helping them stay occupied and reducing the temptation of turning to drugs due to aimlessness.

 “HEIs, NGOs, and community organizations can enhance the effectiveness of police efforts like Operation Yavirau and the Health Ministry’s advocacy initiatives through a collaborative approach,” said Mr. Chand. “By working together, we can pool our resources, share expertise, and create a united front against drug abuse, ensuring a safer and healthier future for our communities.”

During a press conference yesterday, the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF), Chairperson Steve Chand, issued a strong warning to all Higher Education Institutions operating in Fiji without the required registration.

Education remains the cornerstone of progress and development for any nation, and Fiji is no exception. Today, we wish to reiterate and emphasize our ongoing efforts to enhance the accessibility and quality of post-secondary education opportunities for all Fijians.

And to inform and remind the public about the responsibilities as a higher education institution.

First and foremost:

1. All higher education institutions must be established and registered under the Higher Education Act 2008.

• Regulation 16 (1) of the Higher Education Regulations 2009 (“Regulations”) states, “a person who intends to operate an institution must apply for registration to the Commission.”

• Section 13 of the Higher Education Act 2008, parts (1) – (3), alludes to and reads as follows:

Part (1) no person shall establish or operate a higher education institution unless the institution is established and registered under the Act.

Part (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 for an individual or $250,000 for a body corporate or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 years for an individual or director of a body corporate, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

Part (3) Any person who operates a higher education institution, that is neither university nor a degree-awarding institute of technology, in contravention of subsection (1), commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $20,000 for an individual or $100,000 for a body corporate or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years for an individual or a director for a body corporate, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

Hence, any institution that decides to offer post-secondary, and awards without proper registration is liable for prosecution.

Please consider this release as a warning to those who are currently pursuing without the proper registration with the higher education commission. We humbly request that you get your act together before we find out.

To get registered, please refer to the HECF online portal for recognition and registration of applications. The link for the system is: 4r.hec.org.fj.