In a momentous ceremony held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, yesterday, Solomon Islands Governor General Sir David Okete Vuvuiri Vunagi was officially installed as the 30th Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific (USP) during the Laucala Bay Campus graduation.

Sir Vunagi’s term as Chancellor spans one year, commencing from yesterday to August 31, 2024.

The Chancellorship of USP is a rotating role held by the heads of State or Government of USP’s 12-member countries.

In this capacity, the Chancellor presides over degree conferrals and the presentation of diplomas and certificates.

USP’s Vice-Chancellor and president, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, extended warm congratulations to Sir Vunagi.

He expressed confidence in Sir Vunagi’s potential to serve as an outstanding ambassador for USP, both regionally and on the international stage.

Following his formal installation, Sir Vunagi expressed “it was an honour at being appointed Chancellor and eagerly anticipated visiting USP’s regional campuses in his new capacity.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the integrity of the role, following in the footsteps of his 29 predecessors, and pledged unwavering support to facilitate the university’s operations.

“I reminisced about my own experiences as a student at USP. As a proud alumni, I feel very humbled to be installed as the 30th Chancellor of this university,” he said.

Sir Vunagi’s visit included meetings university staff and the senior management team, where discussions centered on areas of development, research, and collaboration.

This marked a significant milestone as the 30th USP Chancellor, Sir Vunagi presided over the conferral of certificates, diplomas, and degrees to USP graduates in the graduation ceremony.

The final graduation ends today.

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