The Fiji National University (FNU) Council has taken significant steps following serious complaints regarding the university’s governance, leading to an official communication with Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba on January 13. The council, led by Chairman Semesa Karavaki, addressed whistleblower allegations that raised concerns about decision-making processes at FNU.
The council’s response was prompted by the severity of the issues which, as stated in their letter, had escalated to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Education due to lack of prompt action. In accordance with the Fiji National University Act 2009, special meetings were held to assess the allegations, with emphasis on authority regarding appointments particularly within the College of Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences.
To address these concerns, the council is considering the possibility of placing the vice-chancellor on leave during the investigation. They outlined several immediate resolutions, including requiring council approval for all job advertisements and contract renewals from heads of departments upward. Additionally, they plan to initiate an external review to identify and rectify systemic gaps in governance, with a committee responsible for crafting the terms of reference for this review.
The council has expressed particular concern over the vice-chancellor’s independent engagements with government officials concerning a legislative review, reiterating the importance of adhering to established protocols regarding council authority.
These measures illustrate the council’s commitment to ensuring governance integrity within the university. They plan to use the results of the forthcoming external review, along with the ongoing revision of the FNU Act, to further refine their decisions. The council looks forward to constructive collaboration aimed at restoring institutional trust and effectiveness in 2026.
In a concurrent development, Professor Nabobo-Baba reassured staff that the university’s decision to operate under the Office of the Prime Minister within the Ministry of Strategic Planning was a voluntary move initiated by FNU itself, rather than an enforced takeover. She emphasized that this transition was part of FNU’s growth and emerging national role, highlighting that discussions about the shift began on August 10, 2024.
The unfolding situation presents a pivotal opportunity for the university to enhance its governance structures and solidify its role in Fiji’s educational landscape.
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