PM asserts constitutional authority in FNU shake-up

In a significant shake-up of Fiji’s higher education governance, responsibility for the Fiji National University (FNU) has been reassigned away from the Ministry of Education and placed under the Prime Minister.

In a statement authorised by Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo, the Government confirmed that responsibility for FNU has been transferred from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics.

According to Government, the move places the country’s national university closer to the centre of government decision-making and signals a shift in how FNU is expected to contribute to national development.

Mr Vosarogo said the Prime Minister, as head of government and chair of Cabinet, holds the constitutional power to allocate portfolios, assign responsibility for government business and direct the implementation and administration of laws.

He said the Prime Minister had exercised that authority to ensure FNU was aligned with the Government’s planning framework and long-term strategic vision.

The Fiji National University Council has been formally notified of the change.

The council chairperson and members were informed by letter dated January 16, 2026, that the functions, operations and management of the university would be reassigned.

More details on this story in the Fiji Sun tomorrow.