The Fiji National University (FNU) has resumed its operations under the Ministry of Education, as confirmed by Education Minister Aseri Radrodro. This development follows recent governance challenges at the university involving its governing council and senior management, which prompted temporary oversight to be assigned to the Prime Minister’s Office before reverting back to the Ministry of Education.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka clarified his current stance on the matter last week, stating he has stepped back from direct involvement in council affairs. This change came in response to inquiries about a meeting request made by the now-former council, which had been in conflict with Vice Chancellor Unaisi Baba.
Minister Radrodro provided further updates, indicating that while the nominations for a new university council have been received, the formalization of these appointments is still ongoing. He expressed that the new council’s names will be announced once the process is finalized.
The oversight transition to the Prime Minister’s Office followed internal disputes regarding the authority of the council and administrative procedures, highlighting the need for clearer governance at FNU. With this transfer back to the Ministry of Education, there is hope for a more stable and organized management structure moving forward, which can benefit both the university staff and students.
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