HECF seeks prosecutorial powers to enforce education standards

The Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF) is seeking legal authority to directly prosecute tertiary institutions that breach accreditation standards or operate illegally.

Director Eci Naisele told the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights yesterday that the commission currently lacks prosecutorial powers under its Act, forcing it to rely on police, courts or other ministries to take enforcement action.

He said the limitation created a serious enforcement gap.

Mr Naisele said institutions that breach accreditation standards, misrepresent qualifications or operate without approval can continue operating until another agency intervenes.

He said granting HECF prosecutorial powers would allow quicker and more effective enforcement, ensuring timely intervention against non-compliant institutions.

Among key recommendations presented to the committee, HECF is seeking authority to directly initiate legal proceedings against offending institutions, expanded oversight of micro-qualifications, and regulation of student recruiting agencies.

Mr Naisele said micro-qualifications, which are short courses typically lasting under 400 hours, currently fall outside HECF’s regulatory framework.

He said these participation-based courses should be brought under HECF oversight through the Education Bill 2025.

The commission is also reviewing its two-stage approval process, which requires institutions to first obtain recognition and then registration.

Mr Naisele acknowledged the process was cumbersome and said efforts were under way to combine the two stages to reduce bureaucracy and make it easier for institutions to establish legally.

The recommendations form part of HECF’s submission on the Education Bill 2025, which aims to consolidate education legislation under a single framework.

Mr Naisele said HECF would submit a detailed written report to the committee by February 10.