Concerns are growing over the governance of Fiji National University following the unexpected cancellation of a key Council meeting. Semesa Karavaki, the Chancellor and Chair of the University Council, has criticized this move as an unauthorized act that disrupts the institution’s governance framework. The meeting, originally slated for discussion after a deferral from December 16 of the previous year, was set to tackle essential topics such as university governance, developments at the Labasa campus, and the approval of an investigation into various complaints within the University.
While the meeting was postponed due to disruptions affecting the northern division, Karavaki intended to proceed with the scheduled gathering this week. However, upon visiting the campus to confirm the arrangements, he discovered that the meeting had been canceled without his consent. Karavaki asserted, “As far as I am concerned, the authority to call or cancel a Council meeting rests with the Chair,” emphasizing the importance of following proper governance protocols.
He labeled the cancellation as an abuse of power and a blatant insubordination, claiming he was barred from entering his office due to directives given to security personnel. He stressed that the Council holds the ultimate authority within the University, with management operating under the Council’s oversight, not the reverse.
Karavaki highlighted that such actions not only threaten lawful governance but also jeopardize the institution’s integrity, as he expressed concern that ongoing delays could be designed to postpone critical disciplinary and investigative decisions until the current Council’s term concludes next month. The situation signals a profound need for clarity and adherence to governance protocols within the University, underlining the significance of maintaining strength and integrity in educational governance.
Leave a comment