National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad has firmly rejected calls for an investigation into the funding allocated to Pacific Polytech, asserting that the financial grants received were properly approved by Parliament. He emphasized that budget allocations emerge from the submissions made by various organizations and individuals during the Ministry of Finance’s request process.
Prasad explained that the funding for higher education institutions is managed by the Ministry of Education, with the Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC) overseeing operations. He noted that all educational institutions, including the University of the South Pacific (USP), Fiji National University (FNU), UniFiji, and Pacific Polytech, operate under grant agreements that have undergone review by the Solicitor-General’s Office.
According to Prasad, once the budget is authorized by Parliament, the Ministry of Finance’s involvement concludes, transferring oversight responsibilities to the appropriate ministry and regulatory bodies. He reiterated that this procedural framework is standard across various sectors, including healthcare and education.
Prasad further mentioned that Pacific Polytech was established in 2022 by the previous administration and has taken over technical colleges that faced closure after nearly $30 million was wasted on abandoned educational projects. He underscored Pacific Polytech’s crucial role in revitalizing aspects of the technical education system and highlighted that the institution has been funded through budgets spanning from 2023 to 2026 based on its own proposals.
In response to potential concerns raised by the Higher Education Commission regarding operational or qualification standards, Prasad stated that these issues should be managed internally within the commission and do not warrant a parliamentary inquiry. He asserted that it would be impractical to shut down an institution that has been established and successfully graduated numerous students over the past years.
He emphasized the positive influence of Pacific Polytech on the community, noting that over 95 percent of its student body comprises iTaukei youth who previously struggled with unemployment after leaving school early. Many of these students have gained valuable skills and have subsequently secured employment, positively impacting their communities. Prasad dismissed the calls for an investigation as baseless, describing them as “rubbish.”
This vigorous defense of Pacific Polytech’s funding and operations underscores a dedication to promoting educational initiatives that not only support the youth but also enhance the broader community in Fiji, offering hope and opportunities for many young individuals.