21/01/2026
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Ni sa bula Vinaka
We are one week away from the beginning of the new school year. I know that our children will be excited to begin their academic year with as much vigor and preparation that such a time always brings.
Of course, we understand that there will be our young ones who may find it difficult to detach from home and from their parents. It is my hope that our teachers and parents and guardians will be understanding and take the time to assist each child as they begin their academic journey in life,
There has been much said about teacher transfers publicly and as always, many will want to object to change. However, the Ministry will do all it can to assist prepare teachers for their calling to whichever school they are needed to serve. I stand ready to dialogue with those who may feel aggrieved.
Yesterday, we all read and heard the decision taken by the Hon. Prime Minister to reassign the management oversight of the Fiji National University (FNU) from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics.
As Minister for Education and as Party Leader of SODELPA, I wish to state clearly that my role is to support the leader of Government, the Prime Minister, and Chair of Cabinet, and since being communicated the reassignment, I had carried out the directives to inform the FNU Council of the change.
The Prime Minister has indicated that this decision is driven by a strategic vision to better align FNU with national planning priorities and a whole-of-government approach to development. Given FNUβs unique role as a dual-sector institution providing both higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), it is understandable that government may wish to position the university more closely within its broader strategic planning framework.
SODELPA entered the coalition government in good faith, guided by the principles of collective responsibility, mutual respect and service to the people of Fiji. While the Ministry of Education has historically played a key role in the oversight of FNU, our foremost concern remains the strengthening of the institution so it can effectively contribute to workforce development, economic resilience and the long-term aspirations of our nation.
I wish to assure the public, students, staff and stakeholders of FNU that this transition does not diminish the governmentβs commitment to education. Rather, it reflects an evolving approach to ensuring that our national institutions are best placed to respond to current and future challenges.
I urge the staff, council members and students of FNU to work together and continue to remain focused on the tasks ahead of them.
May God bless Fiji and may he enrich us with his wisdom and the heart to unite as a people.
Vinaka vakalevu.
