I do not need to meet former FNU Council Chair Semesa Karavaki - Rabuka

I do not need to meet with former FNU Council Chair Semesa Karavaki because everything has moved on from where we were when he wanted to meet.

This was confirmed to fijivillage News by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka regarding repeated requests by former Chair Semesa Karavaki for a meeting about governance concerns at Fiji National University.

Rabuka says Karavaki’s request came while he was out of the country and developments regarding the university have since progressed.

Karavaki had earlier sought an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister, claiming the bypassing of the lawful governance structure of FNU had created uncertainty and division within the university community.

He says the former council had begun addressing formal complaints against the university’s Vice-Chancellor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba relating to governance and decision-making processes.

According to Karavaki, the complaints, submitted by whistleblowers and academic staff, raised concerns about contentious appointments and the awarding of academic titles within the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, as well as unilateral engagements with Government regarding legislative reviews.

Karavaki also raised concerns that there has been no functioning council since last month and questioned who is currently overseeing governance matters at the university.

He also confirmed to fijivillage News that complaints had been lodged with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption against the Vice-Chancellor and the Permanent Secretary for National Planning, but no update has been provided on the matter.

When questioned about the allegations against the Vice-Chancellor, Rabuka says the claims remain allegations and will continue to be addressed through the appropriate processes.

Meanwhile, Rabuka confirms that the Minister for Education remains responsible for FNU and is currently overseeing the university. 

Under the FNU Act, responsibility for the university lies with the Minister responsible for tertiary education, which is currently Aseri Radrodro.

Rabuka also says an amendment to the FNU Act will soon be introduced in Parliament to clarify responsibilities relating to the governance of the university.

He adds that the bill will help define which authority oversees different aspects of the Act once it is debated and passed.

The Bill was tabled yesterday for the ministerial responsibility for FNU to move from the Minister for Education to the Minister for Strategic Planning.

It will be debated today.

Rabuka further confirms that he will review recommendations submitted regarding the formation of a new FNU council, noting that he is familiar with the 7 proposed names and is comfortable with them.

When asked how the government ensures transparency in the appointment of new council members, Rabuka says the government attempts to remain objective but allegations often arise when certain individuals are not selected.