National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad has stressed that universities must have the freedom to question government policies, warning that academic freedom and institutional autonomy are essential to maintaining the quality and independence of higher education.
Speaking in Parliament on Monday during debate on the Fiji National University Bill, Prof Prasad said academic freedom extended beyond research to the right of students and lecturers to challenge university management and government decisions.
“When we talk about academic freedom, it is not only about academic research, it is about the ability of students and academic staff in those institutions to question the management, the council, the senate,” he said.
He said another important measure of a university’s independence was its ability to critically examine government policies through research and public discussion.
Prof Prasad recalled his experience at the University of the South Pacific following the 2006 military coup, saying academics and students faced pressure over their ability to speak about government policies.
“Mr. Speaker, Sir, I was in the University after the 2006 coup and subsequent years, and I know the pressure that the University of the South Pacific, where I was, was put in terms of the ability of academics, students, to talk about government and government policies.”
He said those experiences demonstrated why universities needed protection from interference.
Prof Prasad urged the parliamentary committee examining the Bill to carefully scrutinise provisions relating to institutional independence.
“I would once again urge the Committee to look at very carefully the clauses that allow institutional autonomy, that makes it possible for universities to have a certain level of autonomy.”
He stressed that university independence did not prevent institutions from working closely with government ministries or providing professional advice and consultancy services.
“It does not mean that universities cannot interact with government, cannot interact with different ministries,” he said.
“Institutional autonomy, as a principle guiding good universities is very, very important.”
Prof Prasad maintained that academic freedom, institutional independence and the ability to question those in authority were fundamental to producing quality graduates and maintaining public confidence in university qualifications.
The Fiji National University Bill has been referred to the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights for further scrutiny.
