The work on merging of six major tertiary institutions in Fiji is underway.

Interim Education Minister Filipe Bole this morning appointed Doctor Ganesh Chand as the new Chairman of the Fiji National University Interim Council which will look after the merging of these institutions.

The six tertiary institutions includes the Fiji Institute of Technology, Fiji School of Medicine, Fiji School of Nursing, Fiji College of Advanced Education, Fiji College of Agriculture and the Lautoka Teachers College.

According to Bole, the idea to set up a Fiji National University is to upgrade the current courses and to produce more qualified people locally.

Meanwhile, new Chairman Doctor Ganesh Chand said they are working against time to see the Fiji National University up and running by next year.