Chancellor Karavaki with Votua Villagers in Lekutu,Bua

In a momentous occasion marked by traditional ceremonies, the Fiji National University (FNU) welcomed its newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba to the Naduna campus in the North.

This event not only symbolised a new chapter for FNU but also underscored the university’s commitment to serving all regions of Fiji, particularly the Northern Division including Taveuni.

Accompanying the Vice-Chancellor were key members of FNU’s Senior Leadership Team, including the Chair of Council, Semesa Karavaki, and Deputy Chair of Council, Dr Alisi Talatoka Vudiniabola, along with other council members. Their presence signified a strategic effort by FNU to strengthen ties with the North and reaffirm its commitment to serving communities in Northern Fiji.

During the Northern tour, the Senior Leadership Team and Council Members also revealed FNU’s plan to restart the development of the Northern Naiyaca Campus.

“Naiyaca Campus represents a significant leap forward in providing quality educational opportunities to the people of Macuata, Bua, Cakaudrove provinces, and beyond,” said Professor Nabobo-Baba.

“FNU is dedicated to making higher education and TVET more accessible and aligning our efforts with the government’s commitment to equitable resource distribution.”

Under the auspices of the Fijian Government’s Look-North Policy, Professor Nabobo-Baba asserts that the new campus is a strategic move by FNU to extend its educational reach and support equitable resource distribution.

“The FNU leadership’s visit to the North was not merely ceremonial; it was a declaration of intent. They pledged to enhance the delivery of FNU’s services to the North, promising unprecedented levels of support and engagement. This pledge aligns with the university’s broader mission to foster academic excellence, innovation, and community development across Fiji even in the furthest regions,” declared Professor Nabobo-Baba.

Earlier on the tour, Chancellor Karavaki also visited the Roko Tui Bua and his people at Votua Village in Lekutu, Bua.

Two of FNU’s colleges, namely the College of Agriculture Fisheries & Forestry (CAFF) and the College of Business Hospitality & Tourism Studies (CBHTS), will be offering a diverse range of classes in Votua Village. This strategic decision aims to bridge the gap between traditional educational practices and the evolving needs of remote communities.

Chancellor Karavaki highlighted the significance of this shift, emphasising the departure from the conventional practice of students having to travel to Viti Levu for education.

“We are entering a new era where education comes to your doorstep, making it accessible for everyone in rural areas,” he stated.

“This approach marks a departure from the challenges rural students often face, such as leaving their villages or relying solely on distant relatives for sustenance during their educational journey.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba and Chancellor Semesa Karavaki during discussion on FNU’s Northern Tour

As FNU embarks on this new journey under its refreshed leadership, the North can anticipate transformative changes in education, research, and community outreach. The commitment to inclusivity and service echoed by the Vice-Chancellor and FNU’s Senior Leadership team signals a promising future for the region and reinforces FNU’s role as a catalyst for positive change in Fiji.