It is not a takeover: FNU Vice-Chancellor

The Fiji National University’s move to operate under the Office of the Prime Minister is not a takeover but a request initiated by the university itself, Vice-Chancellor Dr Unaisi Nabobo-Baba says.

In a statement today, Mrs Nabobo-Baba said the transition to the Office of the Prime Minister, within the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, followed careful planning by FNU.

On Tuesday, FNU Council chair Semesa Karavaki described the reassignment of the university to the Prime Minister as akin to a takeover.

He said the independence of the FNU Council under the FNU Act had been compromised by the transition from the Ministry of Education to the Office of the Prime Minister.

He also claimed the Government’s decision to shift FNU under the Prime Minister’s Office interfered with a disciplinary process involving Mrs Nabobo-Baba.

In her weekly message today, the vice-chancellor did not respond directly to those claims but said the first formal discussion on the reassignment took place on August 10, 2024.

She said the university requested the move because of FNU’s expanding national role and increasing responsibilities.

“This is a considered request made by FNU,” Mrs Nabobo-Baba said.

She thanked the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics for supporting the transition and working closely with the university.

Mrs Nabobo-Baba also acknowledged the chair, deputy chair and members of the university council for their continued support throughout the process.