Complete breakdown of law and order at FNU, says Chaudhry

Former Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has described allegations of misconduct at the Fiji National University (FNU) Law School as “serious and shocking”, calling for immediate action by authorities.

Chaudhry said those implicated should step down immediately, expressing shock that they remain in their positions and are still able to influence the institution.

He said the issues raised point to a “complete breakdown of discipline, ethics, accountability and transparency” in the governance of the FNU Law School.

Chaudhry said it was alarming that such alleged abuse of power by academic and administrative staff could have continued over an extended period without intervention from higher authorities.

“Some instances of the reported abuse fall clearly in the criminal domain and should be referred to the relevant authorities immediately,” Chaudhry said.

He called on authorities to act decisively by suspending those implicated and initiating an independent investigation and audit of the university’s administration.

FNU, meanwhile, has confirmed that terms of reference for an investigation were put in place in November last year, with the investigation currently ongoing.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reportedly stepped in to deal with the large number of ongoing issues at the University.

The Fiji National University has been reassigned to the Prime Minister’s Office under the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, taking it away from the Ministry of Education.