Questions Raised Whether FHEC Chair Holds Tertiary Qualification

Duavata News has yet to receive any response from the Fiji Higher Education Commission(FHEC) or its Chair, Steve Chand, on whether he holds a tertiary qualification.

The Fiji Higher Education Commission plays a central role in overseeing the country’s higher education sector, including the registration and accreditation of tertiary institutions, quality assurance, monitoring academic standards, and protecting student interests.

The Commission regulates universities and institutions that provide higher education qualifications, making it an organisation tasked with safeguarding academic standards at the highest level.

Given this mandate, it would be an extraordinary (but not impossible) situation if the Chair of the Commission’s governing board did not himself possess a higher education qualification while leading the national body responsible for regulating tertiary education.

For several months, online commentators and members of the public have raised questions regarding the academic qualifications of the FHEC Chair.

In the interest of accuracy and fairness, Duavata News submitted formal questions to the Commission seeking clarification on the matter, including confirmation of Mr Chand’s qualifications and the criteria relied upon in his appointment.

At the time of publication, no response has been received.

Separately, University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem has recently called for clearer qualification requirements for members of the Higher Education Commission.

Speaking during consultations before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, Professor Shameem emphasised the need for clearly defined standards and proper review processes for Commission members.

She said strengthening provisions governing higher education oversight would help protect academic standards, institutional independence, and public confidence in the regulatory framework.

Duavata News will publish any response from the Fiji Higher Education Commission once received.