Higher Education Commission - Fiji

NEW HECF COMMISSIONERS SWORN IN

The Honourable Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, today presided over the Oath of Office Ceremony for the newly appointed Commissioners of the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF).

The new Commission comprises:
• Ms Rokobua Naiyaga (Chair)
• Ms Alumeci Tuisawau
• Mr Romulo Nayacalevu
• Dr Emi Emmanuel
• Ms Indra Devi
• Rt Inoke Momoedonu

In congratulating the Commissioners, Hon. Radrodro thanked them for accepting the appointment and for their willingness to serve Fiji's higher education sector.

The Minister emphasised that HECF requires the collective expertise, experience and leadership of the Commission to provide strategic direction and oversight as the organisation continues to evolve and respond to national priorities.

He expressed confidence that the new Commission would build on the achievements of its predecessors and raise the standards of the higher education sector to even greater heights.

Hon. Radrodro noted that the Commissioners assume office at a critical time, with several important national priorities requiring their attention, including the continued strengthening and implementation of Fiji's National Qualifications Framework.

The Minister also highlighted the growing role of HECF and expressed his hope that the organisation would continue to expand, particularly in its monitoring, compliance and quality assurance functions, to meet the increasing demands of the sector.

He reminded the Commissioners of several key challenges facing higher education in Fiji, including:
• Ensuring the continued relevance of Fiji's higher education system;
• Strengthening the alignment between qualifications and labour market needs;
• Addressing the mismatch between graduate outputs and industry demand; and
• Responding to national skills gaps and workforce shortages.

"The work of the Commission is critical in ensuring that our education and training systems produce graduates with the skills, knowledge and competencies needed to support Fiji's development aspirations," said Hon. Radrodro.

The Minister concluded by wishing the Commissioners every success as they undertake their important responsibilities in guiding the future direction of higher education and skills development in Fiji.

Higher Education Commission Offices are closed for today as staff are attending a capacity building workshop. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The Higher Education Commission Fiji Director, Dr Eci Tekuru Naisele, was the Chief Guest at the Keshals Business Education Institute Graduation Ceremony held on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.

A total of 121 graduates celebrated their achievements across various national qualification and micro-credential programmes. This included:
• 8 graduates from the National Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) Level 3;
• 2 graduates from the National Certificate in Information Technology Level 2;
• 19 graduates from the National Certificate in Information Technology (Software Application) Level 3; and
• an impressive 92 graduates who successfully completed various Micro-Credential programmes.

In his address, Dr Naisele congratulated the graduates and acknowledged KBEI for its continued commitment to delivering national qualifications that support skills development and lifelong learning in Fiji.

“Graduation is not the finish line — it is the beginning of another journey,” Dr Naisele said.

“Some of you will enter employment. Some may pursue higher qualifications. Some may start businesses. Some may return later to upgrade your skills. Whatever path you take, never stop learning.

The future belongs to lifelong learners. The future belongs to those who are willing to adapt, reskill, and embrace change.”

Speaking directly to the graduates, Dr Naisele encouraged them to use their knowledge and skills to make a positive contribution to their communities and the nation.

“Use your knowledge wisely. Use your skills responsibly. Be ambassadors of excellence. Be ambassadors of KBEI. And above all, continue to believe in yourselves,” he said.

The HECF Director and team met with the High Commissioner of India to Fiji, His Excellency Suneet Mehtathis week.

The Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) today marked a significant milestone in Fiji’s higher education sector with the convening of the inaugural Vice-Chancellors’ Forum at the Novotel Lami.

The first-ever Forum brought together Vice-Chancellors and senior university leaders from Fiji’s five universities — the University of the South Pacific, Fiji National University, University of Fiji, Pasifika Communities University, and Fulton Adventist University — for a one-day strategic dialogue focused on the future of higher education in Fiji.

The high-level gathering provided an important platform for collaborative engagement on key issues shaping the sector, including quality assurance, innovation, governance, system strengthening, and emerging developments such as Artificial Intelligence in higher education.

The Minister for Education, Hon Aseri Radrodro, officiated as Chief Guest and highlighted the increasing expectations being placed on universities globally.

“Across the world, universities are facing increasing expectations to deliver quality teaching, relevant research, innovation, and meaningful contributions to national development,” the Minister said.

“At the same time, universities are being called upon to respond to rapid technological change, evolving labour market demands, and the growing need for accountability and efficiency in the use of public resources.”

The Minister also acknowledged the progress of the university review exercise and emphasising the importance of aligning university systems and programmes with the Fiji Qualifications Framework. He stressed the need for effective monitoring of universities — not only for regulatory purposes, but as an essential mechanism for maintaining quality, ensuring consistency, promoting continuous improvement, and strengthening accountability across the higher education sector.

The inaugural Vice-Chancellors’ Forum reflects HECF’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration, strategic leadership, and collective dialogue within Fiji’s higher education landscape.

Participants were encouraged to engage openly, share ideas constructively, and work collectively towards advancing a resilient, innovative, and globally competitive higher education system for Fiji.

The Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF), in collaboration with Pacific Australia Skills (PAS), successfully conducted an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Capacity Building Workshop yesterday at Level 4, Ganilau House, Suva.

The workshop brought together representatives from smaller higher education institutions in the Central Division and focused on supporting institutions to engage with AI in a practical, responsible, and educationally sound way. Participants explored ethical and academic considerations, AI tools and prompting approaches, and the application of AI in teaching and assessment practices.

In his opening remarks, HECF Director Dr. Eci Naisele encouraged participants to actively engage throughout the workshop.

“I encourage all participants to engage openly, ask questions, share experiences, and explore how AI can be used to strengthen learning outcomes while maintaining the values and standards that define quality higher education in Fiji,” Dr. Naisele said.

The lead facilitator for the workshop was Mr. Rob Mac Lachlan, an education designer and consultant specialising in the practical integration of AI into teaching, assessment, and curriculum development in higher education and TVET settings.

HECF also plans to extend the same capacity-building workshop to the Western and Northern Divisions as part of its ongoing support for the higher education sector in Fiji.

Seventeen students proudly graduated today from the vocational programme at Nasinu Muslim College during a special ceremony officiated by Chief Guest Ms Rokobua Naiyaga , Chair of the Higher Education Commission Fiji.

The graduates included 10 students who completed the National Qualification in Carpentry and Joinery (Level 3), while seven students graduated with the National Qualification in Fashion Manufacturing and Design. This marks the second cohort of students to complete the programme.

Nasinu Muslim College was one of the first four schools selected to pilot the National Qualification Programme in secondary schools, helping pave the way for stronger Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities in Fiji.

School principal Mr Ahmed said the first cohort of graduates had already secured employment, while many others had continued their studies at university level.

Ms Naiyaga congratulated the 17 graduates on their achievement and acknowledged the continued support of the Fiji Muslim League in promoting quality education and strengthening TVET pathways in Fiji.

Addressing the graduates, Ms Naiyaga said, “Your achievement today is a powerful example to other young people that it is never too late to learn, to upskill, and to pursue your dreams.”

She also shared two key messages with the graduates: to keep learning and keep growing, and to use their skills to serve and inspire others.

“Use your talents to uplift others. Success is not what you have, but who you become and how you help others rise.”

A new milestone has been reached by the Fiji Police Force with the launch of the Diploma in Policing Programme for the Fiji Police Academy.

The accreditation certificate was officially presented by the HECF Chair, Ms Rokobua Naiyaga, during a special launch ceremony held at Fiji Police Headquarters.

Ms Naiyaga said the achievement reflects the Fiji Police Force’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing professionalism, and investing in the development of its officers.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Mesake Waqa said:
“Professionally, officers gain a nationally accredited qualification that strengthens their credibility, supports promotion pathways, and enhances their readiness for leadership roles and specialist duties.”

The Diploma in Policing has been specifically designed for constables who have attained the Certificate in Policing Level 4 and have successfully completed their two-and-a-half-year probationary or on-the-job training period.

The handover of the Certificate of Accreditation also marks a new chapter for Fiji Police Force training, signalling a shift from internally focused courses to accredited, quality-assured qualifications that align policing with national education frameworks and modern workforce expectations.

The Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) today welcomed Pacific Australia Skills(PAS) Specialist Advisor, Ms Cathy Joyce.

Ms Joyce has been assigned to HECF as a consultant to lead some key initiatives as part of the Pacific Australia Skills technical assistance program supporting HECF.

Ms Joyce was received by HECF Chair Ms Rokobua Naiyaga and Director Dr Eci Naisele.