Government backbencher Aseri Radrodro says that while there has been a lot said over the Fiji National University saga that embroiled his leadership, very little has been shared about the challenges faced by the Office of the Minister of Education.
Radrodro said during his appointment as the Minister for Education till the time he was dismissed, there was an imminent threat of a strike or protest by teachers and students at the University which was brought to his attention over various challenges that were at the heart of the FNU Council and its leadership at the time.
Radrodro said it was his job at that time to protect the stability of the Coalition Government and the stability of our economic environment where adverse publicity and instability means that the ruling Government will be held responsible for its inability to show leadership and resolve potentially destructive incidents.
He said handling such incidents and ensuring nothing spills out to the public domain took a lot of effort, energy, and patience.
“I must confess at the time the decision was made that I would be relieved of my duties as the Minister of Education – it was almost a welcome relief that my mind and physical being needed.”
The former Minister of Education also highlighted that the current University of the South Pacific ongoing impasse with threats of a strike looming must be handled with precision and delicate management.
Radrodro said the fallout and backlash from such displays of instability threatens public confidence with potentially negative economic ramifications.
“Given that USP is a regional institution, Fiji could face criticism that it has failed to safeguard the interests of the students of the University and that of the Member Countries who form the ownership of USP,” Radrodro said.
