A whistleblower report has surfaced, revealing serious governance issues at Fiji National University (FNU) and implicating prominent officials. The report, which was directed to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro in October of the previous year and examined by The Fiji Times, brings to light potential irregularities regarding academic appointments and adherence to electoral laws under the leadership of vice-chancellor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba.
Central to the allegations is a promotion given to a staff member who was appointed as assistant professor while serving as the acting head of school. The whistleblower contends that this promotion may have circumvented FNU’s established criteria, which generally require candidates for such positions to hold a PhD (FQF Level 10) or, in exceptional cases, a Master’s degree (FQF Level 9) paired with significant research contributions, peer-reviewed publications, and oversight of postgraduate scholars.
The report emphasizes that these concerns extend beyond individual personalities, asserting the need to uphold institutional integrity. It warns that disregard for proper appointment and promotion policies can severely undermine the university’s credibility.
Efforts to obtain comments from the staff member involved were unsuccessful, as inquiries were redirected to the university’s vice-chancellor. An email outlining the allegations was sent to relevant officials including the acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo and Minister Radrodro, but no responses were received at the time of reporting. The Prime Minister’s Office directed questions to the Ministry of National Planning Development and Statistics, where permanent secretary Peni Sikivou has not yet replied.
Moreover, the whistleblower claims there may have been a violation of electoral law, pointing out that a staff member ran for office in the 2022 General Election while remaining employed at FNU, and later returned to work without a formal reappointment. The Electoral Offences Act stipulates that employees of publicly funded entities must resign before seeking candidacy, raising questions about whether the necessary protocols, including a resignation letter, were followed.
This emerging situation underscores the urgent need for accountability and transparency within academic institutions. The governance issues highlighted serve as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining established standards and practices to ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of educational bodies. By addressing these concerns, FNU has the opportunity to reinforce its commitment to academic excellence and institutional integrity.