The Fiji National University (FNU) Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba as the Vice-Chancellor of the University, commencing on 22 November 2023.

Chancellor and Chair of the FNU Council, Semesa Karavaki, said Professor Nabobo-Baba was recruited following an extensive recruitment process.

“We are proud to confirm Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba as the first local female and fifth Vice-Chancellor of the Fiji National University,” Karavaki said.

“Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba has almost 40 years of work and experience in the international education and higher education and development sector. This combines academic, technical, and managerial experience with strong and effective leadership skills demonstrated in Fiji, the regional Pacific Islands and internationally.”

Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba has been acting in the position of Vice-Chancellor since February 2023. She is one of Fiji’s most eminent education scholars in the Pacific – the First Indigenous Fijian woman professor in any University among many other academic awards and distinctions.

The incoming Vice-Chancellor’s area of academic work is marked by innovation in research and knowledge creation in indigenous communities. This is informed by a methodology that underscores the dynamism of indigenous knowledge and practices and their deep roots in social and community relations.

Karavaki added that the University looked forward to Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba implementing her wealth of knowledge and experience in enhancing the learning, teaching and research delivery of the University.

“As the national University, we remain committed to our provision of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and higher education to our local and international students,” he said.

“We are confident that the Vice-Chancellor will also increase the regional and global collaborations of the University and contribute in her specialist areas of international aid in education, higher education development, women in development, eco-feminism, and equity in education.”

Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba has a Doctorate in Education preceded by a gold medal Master of Arts degree in education.

The FNU Council looks forward to the FNU community’s continued support towards the Vice-Chancellor in her role.

Semesa Karavaki

FNU Chancellor and Chair of Council