FNU 2 on leave
THE Fiji National University (FNU) has received allegations against its vicechancellor Lyn Karstadt and pro-vice chancellor Learning and Teaching and Business Manager Professor Lisa Harrison.
In a statement, newly-appointed FNU chair of council, Dr Adi Kesaia Seniloli, said the allegations were serious in nature.
“The council has requested the individuals to go on leave with full pay and benefits,” she said.
“This is to allow for the internal investigation to take place. We will await the outcome of the investigation.
“In the meantime, the council will work closely with the acting VC Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba and her leadership team to drive the university forward in meeting its strategic objectives.
“This includes initiatives for further financial sustainability and encouraging external reviews for quality assurance purposes,” Dr Seniloli said.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said the ministry expected the FNU council to update Government on a monthly basis, with respect to the review of the FNU programs, its viability or further development, and any other expansion or necessary restructure, that the university needed while supporting Fiji’s National Education Agenda.
He said the Coalition Government would continue to support FNU through funding and policy guidance in recognition of its integral role in the development of Fiji’s human resource sector through education provision and learning.
“The newly-appointed council members will have a lot to do to achieve the university’s intended goals for Fiji and any regional or international partners whose students have also chosen to pursue higher education at the FNU.
“They will need to work closely with the academic staff and FNU members to achieve this goal,” Mr Radrodro said.