With more than 30 years of experience in a number of universities around the world, Professor Nigel Healey aims to set a new benchmark for Fiji National University.

Professor Healey was officially welcomed as the new Vice Chancellor of FNU at Nasinu Campus yesterday.

He said we have important contributions to make to the economy and the social development of the nation.

“I think one of the reason in particular most of  us come to  university is because we know first-hand the transformational role universities can play in the life chances of young people.”

“I think higher education is now a completely global sector and we are a part of global knowledge society,” Professor Healey said.

Professor Healey said he hoped he would bring that experience and global networks to support the development of the research and teaching for the advantage of the students.

“Their future career is important for the students and for both economic and social development of Fiji,” he said.

Professor Healy said the university needed to put their best foot forward in preparing the Fiji of tomorrow and to listen to the voice of the students and understand what their concerns were.

“We should know what the students are concerned about, how we can respond to their concerns and work cooperatively with the student association,” Professor Healey said.

“I know in the past students had issues in a range of things.

“First thing I want to do is review all the programmes being offered at FNU.”

He said he would review the number of applications for the programmes also review the graduate employment rate of FNU students.

Direction

“We look forward for Professor Healey utilising his experience to give FNU a new direction,” FNU Chancellor Ikbal Jannif said.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

Feedback:  ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj