The Fiji Government has made a significant administrative change by transferring oversight of the Fiji National University (FNU) from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, under the Prime Minister’s portfolio. This decision, communicated through a press release issued by Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo, aligns with the Prime Minister’s constitutional authority to assign ministerial duties and ensure the effective management of laws.
A letter dated January 16, 2026, was sent to the FNU Council to formally notify them of this transition. The government emphasized that this reassignment is aimed at better integrating FNU with national planning and development goals, reflecting the university’s unique status as the only institution in Fiji that provides both higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.
Additionally, the government believes that positioning FNU under the strategic planning ministry will enhance its function as a vital policy and research resource, potentially enabling it to develop think tank capabilities that would aid in government decision-making processes.
To finalize this reassignment, legislative changes will be proposed to the Cabinet once the Prime Minister returns, coinciding with the upcoming completion of terms for several FNU Council members in February 2026. In light of these developments, Fiji One News has reached out to the Prime Minister, the Minister for Education, and FNU management for further comments on this significant decision.
Through these changes, the Fijian government is taking steps to improve the synergy between educational institutions and national development priorities, demonstrating a commitment to fostering higher education that is not only relevant but also instrumental in advancing the country’s strategic vision.
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