The governance crisis at Fiji National University (FNU) escalated significantly after council chairman Semesa Karavaki was denied access to the university’s Nasinu campus yesterday afternoon. Karavaki described the incident as “insubordination” and likened it to a coup, reflecting the growing tensions among the university council, its administration, and the government.
Karavaki arrived at the campus seeking clarification about a scheduled council meeting, but was blocked by security personnel. Despite his requests for entry into the council chamber, he was told to leave, with security officers indicating they were acting on directives from higher authorities. This refusal of entry has left Karavaki both confused and frustrated as he questioned the legitimacy of the orders.
“This is like a coup. We will have our council meeting tomorrow, as I have not cancelled it, and we only take our orders from the Ministry of Education by law,” he asserted. He emphasized that the council appointed FNU Vice-Chancellor Unaisi Baba to serve the council’s interests, highlighting the fundamental principles of governance expected at the university.
In response to the challenges posed by the current crisis, the council is considering several avenues of action concerning Vice-Chancellor Baba. Among the options is placing her on leave amid ongoing investigations into certain allegations made against her. Additionally, the council is deliberating whether to escalate the findings of their internal investigation to the police or FICAC for further inquiry.
Karavaki’s determination to hold the council meeting signifies a commitment to uphold governance and accountability at the university. This situation underscores the critical importance of effective communication and collaboration between the council, management, and government entities in fostering a productive educational environment. The unfolding events at FNU present an opportunity for stakeholders to reinforce their commitment to transparency and integrity in higher education governance, ensuring that all parties work together constructively moving forward.
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