Pal Offered to Resign, USP Downplays

The Vice-Chancellor and President (VCP) of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Professor Pal Ahluwalia offered to step down from his position last month during the university’s 98th Council meeting at Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

This masthead was informed by reliable sources that the Council has urged that an interim VCP be appointed, that conditions be negotiated, and that a special council meeting be held if it needed to settle transitional arrangements by the end of next January.

A response from USP on Tuesday said the university: “Wishes to clarify that the allegations regarding events at the 98th Council meeting are inaccurate.

“The USP Council will issue an official statement on the outcomes of the meeting in due course.”

Criticism 

A press release yesterday by the university announced the appointment of Siosiua Tuitalukua Tupou Utoikamanu to the Office of the Pro-Chancellor and chair of Council for a three-year term commencing November 27, 2024 until November 26, 2027.

USP Alumni representative associate professor Morgan Tuimalealiifano criticised the delay of a press release.

Mr Tuimalealiifano said the delay had become a concern and if this was becoming the norm; this work pattern from the council chair and support staff was totally unacceptable for a university of the Pacific Islands that aims to be competitive and progressive.

“Concerned USP Alumni urges the USP management to keep the Pacific Islands taxpayers and fee-paying students fully informed about important decisions concerning their regional university’s progress and development,” he said.

“This is particularly so as the USP unions’ strike action mandate is active.”

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