The legality of the Fiji National University’s shift from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics remains in question.
Under the FNU Act, responsibility rests with the minister for tertiary education, and political commentators have warned that any directives issued without gazettal or parliamentary amendments could be invalid.
Yesterday, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro confirmed he informed the FNU council of the change, while Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo said formal legislative steps would be taken once Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka returned from overseas.
Also yesterday, Mr Vosarogo met Mr Radrodro to discuss the transition.
And at FNU, vice-chancellor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba told staff members that the university’s move to operate under the Office of the Prime Minister — within the Ministry of Strategic Planning — was initiated by FNU itself in August 2024.
“Recognising the gravity of the situation, the council decided to explore its powers under Section 30 of the Act,” the letter states, noting that this may include placing the vice-chancellor on leave pending further investigation.
“All job advertisements and contract renewals for positions from heads of departments upwards must receive council approval,” said Mr Karavaki said in the letter.
“An external review process will be initiated to address systemic gaps, with a special committee tasked to develop terms of reference for this review.”
“The terms of reference will be presented to the council for determination and approval and the vice- chancellor is expected to fully cooperate with this review process.”
The council also expressed concern regarding the vice-chancellor’s independent consultations with government officials on the university’s legislative review, emphasizing the need to respect the council’s authority.
“These measures reflect the council’s commitment to safeguarding the university’s integrity and governance.”
“The outcomes of the external review, alongside the ongoing revision of the FNU Act, will guide further decisions. The council anticipates constructive cooperation and support throughout 2026 to restore and strengthen institutional trust and effectiveness.”
The resolutions outlined came effect immediately, Mr Karavaki said.
Meanwhile, Prof Nabobo-Baba has confirmed to staff that the university’s move to operate under the Office of the Prime Minister within the Ministry of Strategic Planning was initiated by FNU itself.
In her weekly message, she said the transition followed careful planning and was not imposed.
“I would like to clearly state that this move was requested by the university,” she said, adding that discussions began on August 10, 2024.
“This is not a takeover,” she said.
She said the shift reflects FNU’s expanding national role.
