The FNU Council is taking a stand! They are demanding a meeting with the Prime Minister, asserting their right to continue an audit they initiated. But why the urgency? And why is this causing a stir?
The Fiji National University Council, led by Chancellor and Chair Semesa Karavaki, believes that the recent events have undermined the university's governance structure, leading to uncertainty and internal strife. The Council's efforts to address governance concerns, including a review of the FNU Act and an external HR audit, have been unexpectedly halted.
Here's where it gets controversial: The Council claims that their decision to investigate formal complaints against the Vice-Chancellor, regarding questionable appointments and academic title awards in the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, as well as unilateral government engagements, has been sidestepped.
The Council, in its fiduciary duty, initiated a thorough and impartial process, even placing the Vice-Chancellor on leave. However, they were blindsided by the Vice-Chancellor's unilateral submission to the Government, which led to the reassignment of ministerial responsibility from the Minister for Education to the Prime Minister.
The Council respects the government's decision but questions the process. As the legally established governing body of FNU, they feel they should have been consulted. Instead, they were instructed to pause all ongoing work.
The FNU Council now seeks an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss the future of the university. They aim to clarify their role in ensuring a stable and successful FNU. Moreover, they emphasize the need to address governance failures through an independent and lawful process.
The Council's audit, they argue, is crucial to rebuilding trust. They urge all parties to act responsibly and respectfully.
Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo has agreed to meet with the Council, but will this meeting resolve the underlying tensions? What do you think? Is the Council's demand justified, or is there more to the story?
