Although the reassignment of the Fiji National University to the Prime Minister is yet to be done through a Bill to amend the FNU Act in parliament, Vice Chancellor of FNU, Unaisi Nabobo-Baba has announced in her weekly update that FNU has officially transitioned to operate under the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics.
Nabobo-Baba states that this move was requested by the University.
She says their first formal discussion on this reassignment took place on 9th August 2024, and this is not a takeover.
Nabobo-Baba says it is a considered request made by FNU after careful thought and planning.
She says they requested to move from the Ministry of Education due to the University's national role and growing responsibilities.
She adds they are thankful to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics for supporting this request and for working closely with them to make this transition possible.
Meanwhile the Chancellor and Chairman of FNU Council, Semesa Karavaki maintains that the reassignment of FNU to the Prime Minister is like a takeover.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Karavaki says the FNU Council meeting that is scheduled for this Thursday has been cancelled by the Prime Minister's Office and the Council's Secretariat staff have been directed by the Vice Chancellor, Unaisi Nabobo-Baba not to communicate or facilitate any communication from the FNU Council.
The FNU Council is appointed by the Minister for Education.
Karavaki says the process of bringing FNU under the PM's Office is a model used by Singapore which worked very well for them.
The FNU Chairman says unfortunately, the way it is implemented by Fiji, is to protect the Vice Chancellor who he alleges has issues at the University.
Karavaki says at the moment and until the FNU Act is amended, the Minister of Education is still the Minister responsible for FNU.
Karavaki says the whole impasse started when he issued a directive on behalf of the FNU Council where the Council is to approve the filling of positions from HOD level and above.
He says this is to address the complaints directed at the Vice Chancellor regarding alleged favouritism and other matters.
Karavaki reveals they as the FNU Council are also taking steps to address the bestowment of professorship contrary to the FNU Act.
The FNU Council Chair says they are trying to have an audience with the PM's Office and he hopes good sense prevails and a meeting is called by the PM's Office.
Acting Prime Minister, Filimoni Vosarogo confirms he was scheduled to meet the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro about the reassignment.
Stay with us for developments.
