The Fiji National University Council has decided to escalate concerns regarding Vice-Chancellor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba to the police and the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This action follows an unanswered request for a meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, according to Council Chairman Semesa Karavaki.
Karavaki indicated that the decision was made after finalizing documentation related to two specific allegations against Nabobo-Baba, which the council feels necessitate further investigation by law enforcement. “The council stands with the law. I mean, we should be a nation of law-abiding people,” he stated, underscoring their commitment to uphold integrity within the university. The council is addressing issues of mismanagement and other concerns they believe could jeopardize the university’s reputation.
Karavaki mentioned plans to brief the Prime Minister upon his return from New Zealand, despite the absence of responses to previous inquiries sent to him. He emphasized that the council, responsible for the governance of Fiji National University (FNU), is taking these steps to protect the institution’s integrity.
Moreover, recent developments indicate that Prime Minister Rabuka ordered the reassignment of FNU from the Ministry of Education to the Prime Minister’s Office, which caught the council off guard. Karavaki labeled this move as a takeover, adding to the tension between the university governance and the government.
The council is also pushing for an independent investigation into FNU’s operations following numerous complaints received. This situation reflects broader concerns about accountability and oversight in educational institutions and highlights the council’s determination to ensure that the university operates with transparency and integrity.
As this story unfolds, the potential for meaningful reform remains hopeful, as the active involvement of law enforcement could lead to necessary changes within the university’s leadership and governance structures. The council’s efforts underscore the importance of accountability in higher education.
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