The Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC) is intensifying efforts to examine foreign qualifications to maintain the integrity of the nation’s educational system and workforce. Directed by Dr. Eci Naisele, this rigorous review process includes a comprehensive five-step verification protocol that particularly targets qualifications from Asia and Africa.
The first step, as Dr. Naisele explains, involves verifying whether the educational institution abroad is registered with the national authority of that country and whether its programs have the necessary accreditation. This is followed by checking the student’s enrollment details and the duration of study to ensure requirements, such as the typical three to four-year duration for degree programs, are met.
Further steps in the process confirm the program’s successful completion and the official awarding of the qualification. The final step involves authenticating the certificate with a unique identifier, similar to a birth registration number, to prevent fraud.
Collaboration with governments in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia has been initiated due to the growing number of Fijian students studying there. Additionally, the FHEC is contemplating the introduction of unique identifiers for local qualifications, aiming to combat fraud and ensure that only genuine certificate holders are acknowledged.
Since its establishment under the Higher Education Act of 1978, the FHEC has been operational for over 17 years and is adapting to new challenges in the education sector. This evolution includes addressing the need for inclusivity in education and ensuring that awarded credentials are genuinely valuable for securing employment and further educational pursuits.
Dr. Naisele’s remarks underline a shift in Fiji’s educational strategy, transitioning from non-accredited micro-credentials to nationally recognized qualifications. This aligns with the country’s objectives of developing a competent workforce, expanding access to education through vocational training, and enhancing “education tourism” by attracting international students.
These initiatives reflect a positive and promising development for Fiji’s educational framework, aimed at supporting both individual aspirations and national development. By ensuring the authenticity and quality of qualifications, Fiji is working towards a more skilled and employable workforce, which is essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity.