FNU corruption allegations under investigation as PM Rabuka takes over University

The Fiji National University (FNU) Council has assured the people of Fiji that a whistleblower report alleging corruption on a scale “never seen before” in a single government-owned entity is being treated very seriously.

The whistleblower reports were first published by veteran investigative journalist Victor Lal on his FijiLeaks platform and political commentator & investigative journalist, Alexandra Forwood, and names several senior officials within the Fiji National University.

The report alleges a wide range of serious misconduct, including bullying and harassment of students, recruitment and hiring practices conducted without merit-based procedures, promotions allegedly based on nepotism, and issues linked to election-related activities.

In response to the allegations, the University has confirmed that the terms of reference for an investigation were established in November last year. The investigation is currently underway.

The allegations and the ongoing investigation come amid an unprecedented governance development, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reportedly assuming oversight responsibility for the Fiji National University under the Prime Minister’s Office through the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics.

As a result, the Fiji National University has been removed from the portfolio of the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, marking a significant shift in ministerial oversight of the institution.

Could this be an indication of the seriousness with which the Government is treating the allegations, as public attention remains focused on accountability, governance, and transparency at one of the country’s largest tertiary institutions?

Duavata News will continue to follow developments as the investigation progresses.