The Higher Education Commission in Fiji is set to leverage the nation’s overseas missions to authenticate foreign educational institutions, responding to a rising trend of students choosing unconventional study destinations like Japan and China. This strategic initiative addresses the growing concerns regarding potentially fraudulent schools, some of which may lack proper facilities or, alarmingly, may not exist at all.
Chairman Steve Chand emphasized the urgent necessity of this verification initiative, recalling past incidents where students returned claiming they had attended classes that were nonexistent. “For too long, we have never checked on the corresponding institutions, if they really exist. Some of them do not exist. We’ve had cases where the children have come back and said, look, we went to classes. There’s no classes. There’s not even a school room there. Some, not even lecturers,” Chand explained.
As more students pursue education in countries such as Japan and China, the commission has recognized gaps in oversight and monitoring of these institutions. Although Chand acknowledged that the commission cannot solve all global educational challenges, he stated that implementing strong checks and balances can create a more reliable framework for Fijian students seeking education abroad.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Immigration is also tightening its protocols to ensure the safety of students traveling overseas. This proactive approach aims to enhance the security and integrity of educational pursuits for Fijians, ensuring that they engage with legitimate institutions that offer quality education. The commission’s commitment to verifying foreign schools reflects a significant step forward in safeguarding students’ interests and improving their overall educational experiences while studying abroad. This initiative not only prioritizes student welfare but also reinforces Fiji’s dedication to delivering quality education opportunities in a global context.