The allegations of widespread corruption at the University of Fiji are false and constitute criminal defamation, the head of the institution says.
In a written response on Thursday, Shaista Shameem, the university's vice-chancellor, denied all claims of financial mismanagement and professional misconduct against senior academic and administration staff that had been released to RNZ Pacific.
The University of Fiji. Photo: University of Fiji
The allegations, released by a whistleblower in a four-page document, cover a range of issues - from purchasing of new vehicles to staff salaries, promotions, and appointments, to donations and suppression of student protests against commercial teaching platforms used by the university.
Professor Shameem said an internal investigation by the Litany Inquiry Committee [LIC] - established and chaired by her - was set up to look into the accusations.
"After exhaustive and extensive inquiry and forensic assessment" the LIC found "the allegations were an orchestrated litany of falsehoods," she said.
Shaista Shameem. Photo: University of Fiji
She said the internal committee also concluded that the complaints were likely to be put together by several "identifiable disgruntled former management and academic staff."
She adds those employees have either split with the university due to poor performance or for breaching university policy and Fijian laws.
Leader of the National Federation Party Biman Prasad Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox
"These disgraced and malcontent former staff are expecting to include Radio New Zealand in their defamatory allegations."
"Any current staff who had the same or similar dissatisfaction in the past informed the LIC [Litany Inquiry Committee] that they are aware of the channels to follow, namely the Whistleblower Policy, the Staff and Student Associations and their Deans and supervisors, should they wish any of their issues to be addressed."
The University of Fiji, Professor Shameem said, also has "The Vice Chancellor's Open Door Policy" which is another avenue for addressing staff and student issues.
RNZ Pacific has requested Professor Shameem for a phone interview to respond to questions about the inquiry.
Meanwhile, Biman Prasad, the leader of the National Federation Party and a member of parliament has called for an "independent investigation" into the allegations.
