The Fiji National University (FNU) is set to undergo a significant structural change as it will now fall directly under the authority of the Prime Minister. This decision reassigns oversight from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development, and Statistics.
The Acting Prime Minister’s office has confirmed that this transition aims to better align FNU with the government’s long-term planning and strategic objectives, leveraging the Prime Minister’s constitutional powers to effect this ministerial change. The FNU Council has already been informed of this shift, signaling a new phase for the university as it positions itself as a crucial asset in national policy-making and strategic planning.
This repositioning underscores FNU’s distinctive role as a dual-sector institution, capable of providing both higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The government anticipates that FNU’s expanded function will directly bolster national development priorities.
The reassignment is seen as a strategic move to enhance the connections between education, workforce planning, and economic development. With this new framework, FNU is expected to contribute significantly as a think tank for the government, fostering innovative solutions and strategies to support Fiji’s growth.
To formalize this transition, legislative changes will be proposed to Cabinet upon the Prime Minister’s return, indicating a proactive approach towards integrating education with national development efforts. This realignment presents an opportunity for FNU to have a more profound impact on Fiji’s socio-economic landscape.
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