University of Fiji Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem stresses the need to clearly outline qualifications for Higher Education Commission members and ensure proper review processes.
Speaking during the consultation before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights at the UniFiji Campus in Saweni, Professor Shameem also stated that some Higher Education provisions need strengthening to protect universities’ programme self-accreditation and academic freedom.
Professor Shameem clarifies the difference between university accreditation (similar to registration and oversight) and programme accreditation, which should remain under the universities’ authority.
She adds concerns were raised that the Commission’s power to compel information could be too broad and risk breaching privacy rights.
The Vice Chancellor also states that on micro-credentials, the university recommended regulation and recognition, but not as formal qualifications, and only through suitably qualified institutions.
She has reaffirmed the university's support for the continued prohibition of corporal punishment in schools, stating that violence does not solve behavioural issues, instead, proper discipline guidelines should be implemented.
Professor Shameem also supported the introduction of mandatory national service for young people aged 18 to 25 years, arguing it could help address rising youth drug use and HIV cases, and would be a better alternative to corporal punishment.
