$7m Pacific Polytech grant on hold pending legal advice

The Higher Education Commission is waiting for legal advice from the Solicitor General before deciding whether to release a $7 million government grant to Pacific Polytech.

Director Eci Naisele told this masthead yesterday that a meeting with the Solicitor General was scheduled next week to seek guidance on "the decision to release or not to release" the funding.

"Right now, as I speak, it's up to the Commission, based on the legal advice of the Solicitor General," Mr Naisele said.

"We are currently consulting with our line Minister, which is the Minister of Education. We've been getting advice from the Minister, likewise the Minister for Finance."

He said he hoped the matter would be resolved by next week.

"Hopefully by next week, we can resolve something," Mr Naisele said.

Pacific Polytech director Peni Taoi confirmed he met with Dr Naisele on Wednesday but said the Commission was "still working on it" with no resolution reached.

However, Mr Taoi said he remained optimistic about receiving the grant within two to three weeks.

"When I look at how things are happening, I feel that with whatever things are now happening, I think we should come in on that," he said.

Mr Taoi welcomed Education Minister Aseri Radrodro's directive to the Commission to resolve the issue, calling it "a very positive sign."

The institution is set to begin its academic year on January 19 and needs the funding for marketing and student outreach.

Staff salaries, which were delayed last week, have since been paid using existing funds.

The grant remains controversial after Parliament's Standing Committee on Social Affairs last year recommended stopping future funding over accreditation concerns, though the report was later withdrawn.

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