More than 18 months after the External Review Committee was established to assess the performance of Fiji’s three major universities, the final report remains incomplete.
And this has sparked renewed concerns from the Opposition in parliament over delays, transparency, and the credibility of the process.
Opposition MP Hem Chand questioned the long wait for the report’s release, pressing Education Minister Aseri Radrodro for an explanation.
“The external review committee was set up more than 18 months ago, what is causing the delay as far as the release of the report is concerned?” Mr Chand asked.
In response, Mr Radrodro pointed to the ongoing process of collecting and considering feedback from the universities.
“The initial report has been submitted, and it has been given to the universities for their comments, so this is a work in progress,” Mr Radrodro said.
“Once it is finalised, it will be tabled in Cabinet.”
The External Review Committee is tasked with assessing Fiji National University, the University of the South Pacific, and the University of Fiji, with a focus on academic quality, operations, and institutional governance.
Earlier in the session, Mr Radrodro revealed that universities had raised significant concerns about the report’s methodology, findings, and professionalism.
He also confirmed that an independent person may be appointed to re-examine the document.
