It has emerged that the appointment of the new chairperson of the Higher Education Commission Fiji has been made before the advertised closing date for expression of interest applications.
According to a public advertisement, applications for the chairperson’s position were due to close on February 27, 2026.
The position has been advertised in the daily newspapers since Saturday.
However, Ministry of Education confirmed yesterday that Steve Chand had been removed from the role and Ms Rokobua Naiyaga was appointed chairperson with effect from February 17, 2026.
The appointment was made by the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, in consultation with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Ms Naiyaga has now assumed leadership of the Commission. Government said she brings more than five decades of experience in education, including national education governance, public sector reform, school leadership and curriculum development.
Minister Radrodro said her extensive background positions her well to guide the Commission’s strategic direction at a critical time for the tertiary sector.
However, the appointment being confirmed 10 days before the application deadline has raised questions about the recruitment process and whether the advertised timeline was altered or concluded early.
No official clarification has yet been issued regarding the status of the advertisement or the basis on which the appointment was finalised ahead of the stated closing date.
