The Fiji National University (FNU) Council has formally raised concerns over governance and due process following the Government’s decision to reassign ministerial responsibility for the university, saying the Council was not consulted prior to the move.
In a statement issued after a Council meeting today, FNU Chancellor and Council Chair Semesa Karavaki said while the Council acknowledges the Government’s authority, the manner in which the transition was initiated has caused uncertainty and disrupted critical governance processes.
“The Council acknowledges the Government’s decision communicated on 17 January 2026 to reassign ministerial responsibility for FNU. We have noted the reasons provided and are prepared to engage constructively with the Office of the Prime Minister to support national development objectives,” Karavaki said.
However, he said the Council was “profoundly concerned” that the statutory governing body of the University was not consulted before the decision was made.
“As the statutory governing body of FNU, established by the FNU Act to act in the University’s best interest, the Council was not consulted prior to this decision. We were informed post-facto and instructed to ‘put everything on hold’,” he said.
Karavaki said the bypassing of lawful governance structures had led to unnecessary uncertainty within the university community and disrupted key initiatives already underway.
“This has, unfortunately, fuelled speculation and division within our university community. The Council’s ongoing work, including the critical initial stages of a review of the FNU Act and a planned external HR audit, has been abruptly disrupted,” he said.
He also confirmed that governance concerns at FNU pre-dated the reassignment, with the Council having already resolved to act on formal complaints against the Vice-Chancellor earlier this month.
“On 13 January 2026, the Council resolved to address formal complaints regarding governance and decision-making processes. In line with our fiduciary duty, we initiated due process, including placing the Vice-Chancellor on leave pending investigation,” Karavaki said.
The Council expressed concern that a submission made to Government, which triggered the reassignment, was done without Council knowledge or approval.
“This action directly contradicts the principles of protocol, good governance and accountability that the Council is duty-bound to uphold,” he said.
Karavaki said the Council has formally requested an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister to seek clarity on the strategic vision for FNU.
“Our position is clear. We welcome dialogue, we uphold the rule of law, and we insist on due process. The Council remains the legally constituted authority governing the University under the FNU Act,” he said.
He added that stability and the protection of FNU’s academic mission must remain the priority.
“We call on all parties to act with maturity and respect. Our shared focus must be on protecting the academic mission, the welfare of our students, and the reputation of Fiji’s premier national university.”
Karavaki said the Council stands ready to work with the Government to ensure the transition strengthens, rather than undermines, the future governance of Fiji National University.
