Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has called for enhanced governance and stable leadership at the Fiji National University (FNU), in response to concerns raised by staff regarding management issues. This directive follows a series of complaints from current and former employees that prompted Radrodro to meet with key FNU figures, including Vice Chancellor Dr. Unaisi Nabobo-Baba and Council Chair Semesa Karavaki.
In the meeting, Radrodro specifically addressed grievances targeting Karen Lobendahn, the Director of Marketing and Communication, and underscored the delays in resolving internal disputes at the university. Subsequently, Lobendahn’s resignation was acknowledged as effective immediately. The Minister highlighted the need for urgent attention to ongoing staff grievances, especially those involving a senior law lecturer, and mandated a report on the resolution of these issues to be submitted to the Education Ministry.
Radrodro emphasized that FNU must act in the best interests of its students and work to maintain public trust by resolving internal matters swiftly and fairly. He pointed out the necessity of implementing transparent disciplinary processes to ensure accountability and timely dispute resolution. Additionally, he reminded the FNU Council of their legal responsibilities under the FNU Act 2009, which empowers the Vice Chancellor to manage staff appointments and disciplinary matters with appropriate oversight.
This recent situation at FNU mirrors ongoing issues within the institution, where staff have raised concerns over management practices and alleged breaches of employment and health safety standards. Previous meetings had revealed instances of favoritism and intimidation reported by employees, highlighting the pressing need for reform.
As discussions move forward, there remains hope that this engagement will yield constructive changes, not just to address grievances but also to cultivate a healthier workplace culture and reinforce effective governance. This situation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability within educational institutions, potentially paving the way for enhancements that could significantly enrich the educational environment in Fiji.