Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has expressed his support for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent decision to transfer management oversight of the Fiji National University (FNU) from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Strategic Planning. Radrodro emphasized that this decision embodies a whole-of-government approach aimed at reinforcing FNU’s role within the broader national development framework.
Prime Minister Rabuka’s initiative has sparked some debate, with the intention of aligning FNU more closely with the country’s development priorities. Radrodro highlighted FNU’s distinct position as a dual-sector institution that provides both higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training. This makes it crucial to integrate the university into the government’s strategic goals.
In alignment with the Prime Minister’s directive, Radrodro has officially informed the FNU Council about the management transition. He addressed any concerns regarding this change, reassuring students, staff, and stakeholders that the reassignment should not diminish the government’s dedication to education. Instead, he characterized it as a proactive measure to enhance FNU’s contributions towards workforce development and economic resilience, which are vital for Fiji’s long-term objectives.
Radrodro called for unity among FNU’s staff, council members, and students, urging them to maintain their focus on academic and institutional duties throughout this transition. He also reaffirmed SODELPA’s commitment to the coalition government and its principles of collective responsibility and mutual respect, emphasizing that supporting the Prime Minister’s leadership is a key part of this dedication.
Furthermore, it is noteworthy that according to the FNU Act, the oversight of the university is traditionally under the purview of the Minister responsible for tertiary education, hinting at the legal frameworks guiding these institutional changes. This strategic transition may represent an opportunity for FNU to better align its services and offerings with national development goals, potentially yielding positive results for both the university and the broader community in Fiji.