USP

FICAC investigated mismanagement of funds at the University of the South Pacific

The Prosecution’s second witness, Kuliniasi Saumi, revealed this when he gave evidence in the case against former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho.

Bainimarama is charged with a count of attempting to pervert the course of justice, while Qiliho is charged with a count of abuse of office.

The charges stem from a complaint filed by the university in July 2019 pertaining to the conduct of former staff members.

USP receives funding support from Japan

A contract signing between the USP, Japan Embassy Samoa, Samoa’s Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture was held at the USP Samoa Campus yesterday.

The Japanese Ambassador to Samoa, Senta Keisuke signed over the grant to the recipient’s representatives of the USP - Samoa Campus.  

Samoa’s Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Seuula Ioane Tuaau was among the attendees.

The funding is from the Grant Assistance for Japan’s Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP).

USP semester zero initiative will begin on Monday 9 January

The initiative is focused on all first-year students – local and regional students joining the University in 2023. 

Commencing January 9, future USP students will have the opportunity to experience what tertiary education is like for the next five weeks. 

This one-of-a-kind initiative provides a free online orientation for provisional and potential first-year students to learn more about USP and get a “feel” of university life.

Semester Zero is a timely initiative offered only by USP for her students and will be hosted on USP’s Moodle platform. 

Samoa to take up chancellorship of USP

It's 12 years since Samoa last held the post.

USP Vice-president, Professor Pal Ahluwaliam and USP's Samoa Centre Director, To'oto'oolea'ava Fana'afi Aiono Le Tagaloa, announced the appointment.

The new chancellor will be installed at the university's graduation ceremony in Apia on Friday.

The chancellorship of the regional University rotates every year.

Samoa’s PM urges Fiji to give USP grant

Last night, the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum remained firm with Fiji’s position to investigate the matter.

“We said that there needs to be an investigation into the issue – these are taxpayer’s money. Fiji is the largest contributor by way of grant to USP.”

“If there is nothing to hide, why don’t we have an investigation? It has been highly politicised. It is a question of accountability or financing,” Sayed-Khaiyum said.

Samoa Qualifications Authority and USP discuss accreditation of USP Samoa campus programmes

“USP embraces the accreditation of USP Samoa Campus programmes by the National Quality Assurance Agency which is the SQA as USP values the importance of having its locally delivered programmes being nationally recognised. The USP team is ready to work collaboratively with the SQA team to accredit its programmes in due time for the benefits of the learners and the nation,” Professor Ahluwalia said.

The University renews its registration as a higher education provider with SQA annually.

Samoa commends USP on Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022

It second time in less than a year, said Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Seuula Ioane Tuaau.

He said it is a sure testament of the hard work of Staff, Students and University of the South Pacific community and donor partners.

“The Government and People of Samoa share a long history with the University of the South Pacific that began with its establishment fifty-four years ago and it will continue into the future.”

University lobby group fears for its future

The Government has failed to pay its obligatory grant to the university for the past three years, and now owes the USP more than $60 million Fijian dollars.

The group says Fiji benefits hugely from the USP.

They say for every dollar invested by the Government the return to the Fiji economy is eight dollars from taxes, rents, medical spending, utilities, food and other good, and transport.

WFP and USP join forces to boost market monitoring capacities for food security in Fiji and Samoa

For a region that is extremely susceptible to climate shocks and natural disasters, monitoring the impacts of these calamities is critical. By identifying, collecting, and analysing market information, the joint project will help government agencies in both countries to make informed policies when implementing disaster response activities, particularly those aimed at safeguarding household food security.

USP Vice Chancellor arrives in Samoa

“We have arrived in beautiful Samoa. Everybody has been so wonderful and understanding. We are now in quarantine. No feeling like being back home in the Pacific. Our sincere thanks to everyone,” Pal said on Twitter.

Pal and his partner Sandra Price were in Nauru since February last year following their deportation from Fiji.

The Fiji government deported Pal and Price claiming they continuously breached by the Immigration Act.