USP mum on Ahluwalia protest

The University of the South Pacific (USP) declined to comment on student and staff demands following Wednesday’s protest at Laucala Campus that called for vice-chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia’s removal.

In a statement yesterday, the university said the vice-chancellor’s appointment was a matter for the USP Council and it remained guided by its governance structures.

“The university respects the right to peaceful protest but remains guided by its governance structures,” the statement said.

“USP does not comment publicly on individual employment matters. Any internal review processes are managed in accordance with established Human Resources and governance protocols.”

The university added that any matters raised would be addressed through appropriate internal channels.

Staff and students had gathered outside the vice-chancellor’s office on Wednesday demanding Professor Ahluwalia’s exit and the reinstatement of terminated lecturer Dr Tamara Osborne-Naikatini.

University of the South Pacific Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia.

The protest coincided with the 99th USP council meeting in Auckland, New Zealand, which raised questions as the location has no USP campus.

In response, the university stated the meeting was “hosted by New Zealand, a valued member of the USP community” and that “as a regional institution, council meetings may be held in various locations to reflect our Pacific-wide membership.”

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the government would not intervene in the university dispute.

“We do not want to do that because the university is a regional institution and we do not want to take sides. It’s for the council to sort it out,” Mr Rabuka said yesterday.

Fiji’s delegation to the 99th Council meeting included Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro and Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad.

The university confirmed that outcomes of the meeting will be released in due course.

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