The Great Council of Chiefs could have representation on the governing Council of the Fiji National University under proposed legislation tabled in Parliament last week.
The Fiji National University Bill 2026 provides for the Minister responsible, after consultation with the FNU Council, to appoint up to three co-opted members to the Council.
Under Clause 21 of the Bill, a person would be eligible for appointment as a co-opted member if nominated by the Great Council of Chiefs, or if the person represents one of several specified organisations.
These include the Fiji Teachers Union or Fiji Teachers Association, Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation.
The provision potentially gives the Great Council of Chiefs a formal avenue to nominate a person for consideration for appointment to the governing body of one of Fiji’s major tertiary institutions.
Co-opted members would serve a three-year term, beginning from the first scheduled Council meeting following their appointment.
Their appointment could be renewed for another term on the recommendation of the FNU Council.
