The Fiji National University has responded to recent media articles published regarding its Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry programme.

In a media release, FNU says upon a request by the Fijian Government in 2014, FNU established the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry programme. 

This was to address the shortage of vets in the country, as there was no veterinary training institution in the South Pacific. The Veterinary degree programme started with more than 40 students in 2014 and has since graduated about 49 local and 4 regional students.

FNU says as a stop-gap measure, Fiji has recruited Vets from overseas at a major cost to the economy.  The Ministry of Agriculture needs Vets for some of its operations, as do the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), livestock producers, and animal clinics.

FNU halted new enrolments into the programme in 2021, mainly because of the limitation in veterinary legislation in Fiji. The University is now running a Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) programme, which is regarded as para-veterinary in nature. 

FNU, like other universities in Fiji, is self-accrediting.  It offers programmes once they have been approved by the Senate.  The programme documents are, however, submitted to the Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC) for recording on the Fiji Qualifications Framework. 

The registration of professionals like Vets, Engineers and Human Doctors goes beyond the accreditation or recording of the programme. For Vets, it is done by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Whilst the University is undergoing a transition, with the appointment of a new FNU Council last month and a reshuffle in the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the institution will be meeting with the new Minister for Agriculture in the coming weeks to assist in mitigating some of these lingering issues. ​

FNU Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba has assured that the University is addressing the matter.

“I take this matter seriously and would like to assure our students, graduates, parents and stakeholders that the University is committed to resolving this issue alongside our Council, management team and partners,” Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba said.

“Our graduates are currently working for organisations such as Rooster Chickens, Crest, SPCA, Animals Fiji, private clinics, and other livestock producers around the country, in para-veterinary roles. In addition, the University is also looking at employment options for graduates who are not currently employed.”

Source: FNU