Former Education Minister Premila Kumar has strongly opposed any efforts to place the Fiji National University (FNU) under the Prime Minister’s Office, asserting that such a shift would contravene the Fiji National University Act of 2009. Kumar pointed out that the Act clearly defines the governance structure of FNU, placing authority in the hands of the university council, which operates independently of political influence.
She emphasized that council members are appointed solely by the Minister for Education, a responsibility that does not extend to the Prime Minister. “According to the Act, the Minister for Education has the exclusive power to appoint members to the FNU Council,” Kumar stated, highlighting the legal distinction that reinforces the university’s autonomy.
Citing Section 14 of the legislation, she reiterated that any unilateral actions taken by the Prime Minister would lack legal legitimacy. “A verbal directive from the Prime Minister carries no legal weight regarding FNU,” she asserted, affirming that the legal framework is explicit in its governance stipulations. Kumar contended that attempts to override the FNU Act through informal means would be unacceptable.
She clarified that the Prime Minister could only assume responsibilities for FNU through two lawful methods: by formally taking on the role of Minister for Education with appropriate gazetting, or through amendments to the FNU Act passed by Parliament. Until such steps are undertaken, any directives issued by the Prime Minister concerning the university should be considered legally void.
Kumar concluded by reiterating that the Act does not empower the Prime Minister over FNU. The chancellor of the university, she noted, is required to report directly to the legally designated minister, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the established governance structure. This position underscores a commitment to maintaining the integrity of Fiji’s educational institutions and ensuring that governance remains with the appropriate authorities.