2 Jun 2006

Scholarship controversy in Kiribati - inquiry hearings end today

7:12 am on 2 June 2006

A commission of inquiry in Kiribati is expected to complete its hearings today into the awarding of scholarships for study at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji.

The probe came after it became public knowledge that students had been chosen who had failed the admission test while those who had passed the exam were overlooked.

The commission, which is headed by Tuvaluan national, Tito Isala, has learned that two selection processes took place before the awards was finalised.

Two selection board members have testified that their choice was made in line with USP's criteria.

They say they didn't know of a second selection process.