The Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) has raised alarms over the rising number of PhD degrees obtained from questionable online sources. Dr. Eci Naisele, Director of HECF, acknowledged that while online learning is increasingly accepted worldwide, not all online educational providers maintain legitimate operations. He urged students and the public to carefully verify the credentials of higher education institutions—regardless of whether they operate locally or abroad—before enrolling in any academic program.
Dr. Naisele also advised employers to insist on formal recognition of the qualifications that job candidates present. Consulting the Fiji Qualifications Framework or the HECF will help guide effective recruitment or promotion decisions. The proliferation of dubious PhD qualifications from unaccredited institutions, often labeled as degree mills, poses a threat to the integrity of higher education standards in Fiji and risks misleading employers and the public.
Educational institutions are encouraged to take proactive measures by ensuring that applicants’ qualifications come from credible, accredited, and recognized universities or education providers. Only qualifications that are confirmed by national higher education authorities and included in the Fiji Qualifications Framework are considered valid within Fiji.
HECF is committed to safeguarding the integrity of the higher education sector in Fiji, aiming to protect students, employers, and institutions from the consequences associated with fraudulent or low-quality qualifications. This latest announcement aligns with previous efforts by HECF to assure quality in higher education through nationally recognized credentials rather than unaccredited ones. There is a positive outlook for a future where improved education quality enables graduates to integrate smoothly into the workforce, thereby contributing to Fiji’s educational and economic progress. This proactive approach reflects a dedication to fostering a robust educational framework that benefits individuals and enhances national development.