The Vice-Chancellor of the Fiji National University (FNU), Professor Toby Wilkinson will stand down from his position at the end of this year.
This was revealed in a statement by the tertiary institution saying Prof Wilkinson has decided to relocate back to the United Kingdom due to personal family reasons.
FNU Council Chair, Tessa Price said FNU has made great strides under Prof Wilkinson’s leadership.
“The University has adopted an ambitious new five-year Strategic Plan, enhanced its governance and leadership arrangements, signed agreements with important national and international partners, and strengthened its provision of TVET to meet the needs of the post-pandemic economic recovery – all while navigating the challenges of COVID-19,” Ms Price said.
“I have no doubt that we will continue to see further significant progress in the coming months, aligned to FNU’s vision of being the leading dual-sector university in the Pacific,” she said.
“Professor Wilkinson will leave FNU with a strong legacy. He has built excellent relationships with the Council, staff and students, and stakeholders, and has positioned the University for future Success as a world-class tertiary institution.”
Prof Wilkinson said during 2021, they have achieved so much together.
“These achievements provide a firm foundation for FNU to develop and succeed in the years ahead,” Prof Wilkinson said.
“FNU has one of the strongest Councils of any university, anywhere in the world. FNU has a bold and ambitious Strategic Plan to guide it over the next 5 years,” he said.
“FNU will soon welcome two new Pro-Vice-Chancellors, appointed through a rigorous global recruitment process, to lead Learning and Teaching, and Research and Innovation, across the university.
“FNU has committed staff and enthusiastic students, the confidence of the wider community, and the active support of stakeholders here in Fiji and across the region”.
FNU will shortly commence an international recruitment process for Prof Wilkinson’s successor.
The Council has appointed Dr William May, currently, Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, to work alongside Prof Wilkinson until the end of the year and then take over as Acting Vice-Chancellor pending the appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor.
Dr May has previously served as Acting Vice-Chancellor of FNU.
FNU wishes Prof Wilkinson and his family the best for the future.
