Pacific Polytech has been confirmed as a fully registered higher education institution in Fiji, meeting all academic, governance, and financial requirements necessary to secure government grant funding. This announcement comes from the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF), with its Director, Dr. Eci Tekuru Naisele, stating that the institution achieved full registration in August 2025 after initially operating under provisional status since November 2022.
Dr. Naisele emphasized that full registration is one of nine qualification criteria established for government grants, and Pacific Polytech’s grant was approved and disbursed with consent from the Ministry of Finance. Institutions seeking these grants typically undergo a stringent vetting process by the HECF; however, in this instance, the vetting was conducted directly by the Ministry.
Throughout its regulatory activities, the HECF discovered several compliance gaps related to Pacific Polytech’s programs and funding processes. Many of these issues have already been addressed. In response to a recommendation from the Standing Committee on Social Affairs regarding an investigation into the funding of Pacific Polytech, Dr. Naisele confirmed that the HECF would adhere to the parliamentary decision.
He reassured taxpayers and students of the commission’s commitment to acting independently within its regulatory framework, guided by the Higher Education Act 2008, which empowers the HECF to impose penalties on non-compliant institutions. These penalties can include fines, shutdowns, or prosecutions under relevant legislation.
Moreover, robust accountability measures are implemented to ensure transparency in the management of public funds. The HECF employs a Grant Management System to track and monitor financial expenditures and program outcomes. All institutions receiving funding are subject to quarterly monitoring through acquittal reports which undergo review by the Ministry of Education prior to further disbursements by the Ministry of Finance.
This progress marks a positive development for Pacific Polytech and enhances the landscape of higher education in Fiji, reaffirming the commitment to quality assurance and regulatory compliance in the education sector.