FNU denies removing Karavaki from campus despite incident occurring on video

In a bizarre turn of events, the Fiji National University has issued a statement denying that its Council Chairman and Chancellor, Semesa Karavaki, was blocked or removed from campus — despite the incident unfolding publicly during a live media interview.

FNU's statement has drawn widespread ridicule from social media users in Fiji, with some questioning whether the University thinks very little of everyone's intelligence.

Karavaki was meeting with FBC News at the Nasinu campus yesterday when security officers approached him and instructed that he leave the premises immediately. The encounter occurred mid-interview and was captured on camera.

During the exchange, Karavaki repeatedly asked who had issued the directive. One security officer responded that they were acting on instructions.

However, in a statement issued hours later, FNU flatly denied any restriction on Karavaki’s access to the university.

“The Fiji National University wishes to clarify that there are no restrictions on entry for any Council members or members of the University’s management,” the statement said, adding that all Council members and senior management continue to have “full and unrestricted access” across its 17 campuses.

FNU attributed the presence of additional security to a rise in theft and other security-related incidents, describing the measures as purely precautionary and unrelated to governance issues.

“The tightened security has been implemented to safeguard students, staff, visitors, and University property,” the university said.

The university also stated that the enhanced security does not affect authorised access, including that of Council members carrying out official duties.

The statement appears to directly contradict what was witnessed during the FBC News interview, where Karavaki was visibly escorted away by security officers while questioning the basis of the instruction.