The Fiji National University (FNU) Council has announced plans to escalate complaints against Vice-Chancellor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba to law enforcement agencies, including the police and the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This decision follows an unanswered request for a meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, as stated by Council chairman Semesa Karavaki.
Karavaki revealed that the move comes after a recent council meeting where files detailing the allegations were finalized for submission. He emphasized that there are two specific allegations against Mrs. Baba that warrant investigation by the appropriate authorities. “The council stands with the law. I mean, we should be a nation of law-abiding people,” Karavaki noted, stressing the importance of addressing the alleged mismanagement within the university.
The council is committed to protecting FNU’s integrity through these actions. Karavaki mentioned that they plan to update the Prime Minister upon his return from New Zealand, although he pointed out that inquiries made to Rabuka have yet to be responded to.
In a surprising turn of events, last week, Prime Minister Rabuka reassigned the management of FNU from the Ministry of Education to the Office of the Prime Minister, which Karavaki has labeled as a takeover of the university’s governance. The council is also advocating for an independent investigation into the university’s operations, citing numerous complaints received over time.
This escalation reflects the council’s dedication to transparency and accountability, signaling a move towards restoring trust within the institution. The outcome of these investigations and inquiries could play a significant role in shaping the future governance of the Fiji National University.