The Fiji National University (FNU) today signed its 2026–2027 Government Grant Agreement with the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HECF), reinforcing the University’s commitment to responsible financial management, quality education, and national development.

FNU was among the higher education institutions that signed their agreements during the Commission’s Central Division grant-signing ceremony today.

The Government has allocated $74.49 million in operational grants to higher education institutions for the 2026–2027 financial year. The funding will support institutions in delivering quality education, and training, strengthening workforce development, and expanding opportunities for Fijians from different backgrounds.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Chair of the Higher Education Commission Fiji, Mrs Rokobua Naiyaga said the investment must produce measurable benefits for students, employers, and the wider country.

“The funds entrusted to you come from the people of Fiji,” Mrs Naiyaga said.

She reminded institutions that the grants must be used for their approved purposes, and supported by clear financial records, timely acquittals, and evidence of the outcomes achieved.

The Commission will monitor the use of the funding, review institutional reports, and acquittals, and work with grant recipients to address issues early.

Responding on behalf of the grant recipients, FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba thanked the Government, and the Higher Education Commission Fiji for their continued investment in higher education.

Professor Nabobo-Baba said the University recognised its responsibility to account carefully for every dollar received, and to ensure that the funding directly benefits students, and communities.

“There is no point in our work if our children do not become better. Our responsibility is to ensure that every dollar entrusted to us is used carefully, and extended as far as possible for the benefit of our students and our nation,” Professor Nabobo-Baba stated.

The Vice-Chancellor further highlighted FNU’s work across its campuses, and its continuing investment in student support, infrastructure, teaching, research, and skills development.

Professor Nabobo-Baba also referred to the work of the FNU Foundation, which provides practical assistance to students experiencing financial hardship. Through its campus hubs, and partnerships, the Foundation provides food, clothing, and other forms of support to help students remain engaged in their studies.

She reiterated that the University would continue aligning its programmes, and institutional priorities with Fiji’s National Development Plan, and the country’s workforce needs.

“As the national University, FNU has a responsibility to support the implementation of national priorities. We remain committed to producing graduates with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to contribute meaningfully to Fiji, and the wider Pacific,” Professor Nabobo-Baba highlighted.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed that FNU would manage the grant responsibly, report transparently, and continue seeking partnerships that allow the University to multiply the value and impact of public investment.

The 2026–2027 Government Grant Agreement establishes the accountability, reporting, and acquittal requirements governing the use of the funds throughout the financial year.

ENDS