Government’s investment in higher education is a key factor in the successful implementation of its social and economic policies says the Minister for Education Filipe Bole.
Mr Bole made these comments at the inauguration of the Committee for the Accreditation of University Qualifications (CAUQ) in Suva today.
He said the CAUQ is evidence of the growth of a trusting relationship between the three major universities, the University of the South Pacific (USP), Fiji National University (FNU) and University of Fiji (UOF) and the Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC).
The minister said commitments expressed by the universities and the commission will go a long way in maintaining academic standards that are internationally respected and recognised.
“Being the leading education providers in the nation, our three universities play a key role in ensuring access, equity and quality in the provision of higher education and training for our people,” Mr Bole said.
“The committee will be responsible for assuring the quality of academic programmes offered in the university sector. In doing so, it will ensure the quality of every university qualification for which Government funding is sought. In this way, government can be assured of the judicious use of public funds allocated for university education.”
The CAUQ would be a significant instrument in ensuring that consideration of quality and relevance is made in the allocation of funding for programmes and institutions.
Mr Bole said the new education initiative would greatly enhance the overall efficacy and effectiveness of the higher education sector in Fiji.
“It has demonstrated a sincere desire, on their part, to lift academic standards at the university level, ensure the prudent use of public expenditure in the university sector, and bring about consistency in the award of qualifications,” Mr Bole added.
He said the committee would address other related academic matters, and provide appropriate advice to the FHEC.
“This will ensure that university education in Fiji is relevant, to both individual needs and the skills and knowledge needs of the nation.”
The Committee will be chaired by academic, Dr John Harre.
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