USP Staff Union Demand Ahluwalia's Removal
The unions argue his leadership is failing and have urged the university's Special Council to investigate management and human resources issues under his tenure.
Saturday 19 October 2024 | 15:16
University of the South Pacific staff and students with their demands during the strike at Laucala campus on October 18, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
The Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of the South Pacific (USP), Professor Pal Ahluwalia, is once again at the centre of controversy, with staff unions demanding his resignation.
The University of the South Pacific Staff Union (USPSU) and the President of the University Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) of the South Pacific (USP), have launched protests at USP's Laucala Campus, calling for Mr Ahluwalia's immediate removal.
The unions argue his leadership is failing and have urged the university's Special Council to investigate management and human resources issues under his tenure.
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This turn of events is particularly striking, as many of these same staff were among those who strongly supported Mr Ahluwalia's return to Fiji after his controversial deportation by the previous government.
The enthusiasm that once greeted him has now given way to frustration and discontent.
A key grievance is the termination of biologist and former AUSPS president Dr Tamara Osborne- Naikatini.
Dr Osborne-Naikatini was dismissed in July after an interview with Islands Business, which Mr Ahluwalia condemned as a breach of contract confidentiality, citing “gross misconduct.”
USP students rep, Vidya Rashni and former AUSPS president Dr Tamara Osborne- Naikatini during the USP strike march on October 18, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
The strike action disrupted classes, with some students arriving in empty classrooms, unaware of the situation.
The unions have also expressed outrage at reports that Professor Ahluwalia is overseas on holiday during the crisis, raising further concerns about his leadership.
Meanwhile, Government ministers have remained silent.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has not responded to our queries, and the Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh, has yet to comment also.
Their lack of response has left many questioning the Government’s position on the escalating dispute.
As the university struggles with staff unrest and operational disruptions, all eyes are on USP’s management to see how they will address these serious allegations and restore stability to the region’s leading educational institution.
Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj
