USP

Fiji university threat draws ire in New Zealand

This week the Fijian Government announced it wouldn't pay its multi-million grant to the university while the current vice chancellor Pal Ahluwalia remained at his post.

It has called for another investigation after an earlier one revealed significant abuses by the former Vice Chancellor, Rajesh Chandra, who is believed to have close links with the Fiji Government.

The Fiji Government earlier this year deported Professor Ahluwalia and his wife, after accusing them of immigration breaches.

USP assists private students through its Student Bursary Scheme

The Bursary Scheme is a tuition fee assistance scheme available to USPs private students …

A total of 281 private students studying at The University of the South Pacific (USP) have received financial assistance under the USP Student Bursary Scheme.

The Bursary Scheme is a tuition fee assistance scheme available to USP’s private students facing financial hardships. Successful recipients of the Scheme had 50% of their tuition fees paid for in either Semester 1 or Trimester 1, this year.

Samoa High Commission monitors Fiji COVID-19 situation to minimise impact on students

In a statement, the high commission said it wants to try and minimize any negative impact of the lockdown on their students’ studies and their overall wellbeing.

A total of 84 Samoan students are registered at the two main universities – University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University.

Fiji has seen a resurgence in COVID-19 cases after 364 days since the last case was recorded in the community on 18 April 2020.

Fiji confirmed its first community case this year as a result of a breach in protocol at a Nadi quarantine facility.

Samoan students in Fiji urged to make use of new High Commission services

High Commissioner Ali’ioaiga Feturi Elisaia hosted Samoan students to a reception at the weekend.

The reception was also the first official ‘Feiloaiga’ between the students and the High Commissioner since he presented his credentials to the President of Fiji on 5 March, 2021.

The High Commissioner, a University of the South Pacific alumnus, in his remarks, reminded the students that educational opportunities are rare to come by – hence the need to utilise them optimally to build a solid foundation for a future career.

Samoa Farmers Association conduct training for farmers with University Of The South Pacific

“We’ve identified at least 20 existing yam farmers to work with and  plant at least 50 mounds of newly established yam,” says President, Afamasaga Toleafoa.

“We’re working with the School of Agriculture and Food Technology of the University of the South Pacific to conduct the necessary training on pruning management and planting, spacing and soil nutrient application.”

Afamasaga Toleafoa said:“Our members are privileged to be working with the future of the agriculture sector in the region and learning from each other.”

USP appoints acting vc, to probe Ahluwalia deportation

Paunga, who currently holds the position of Deputy VC Regional Campuses, Estates and Infrastructure, was appointed today following the deportation of Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia.

Professor Aluwhalia and his wife were arrested at their Suva home on Wednesday night, told they were deemed a threat to the Fiji public, and swiftly deported to Australia.

The USP Council has this afternoon released a statement saying they were not consulted over Professor Pal Ahluwalia's deportation.

Pacific Churches and regional NGOs condemn removal of USP Vice Chancellor

 Immigration and police officers detained and later deported the head of the University of the South Pacific late on Wednesday on allegations that he had breached public safety.

 The Pacific Regional NGO (PRNGO) Alliance in a statement said the heavy handed decision by the Fiji Government to deport the University of the South Pacific (USP) Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia and his partner Sandra Price ahead of a USP Council meeting is a sign of growing crisis of regionalism.

University of South Pacific Council meets on report's release

The council, which has been in recess since reinstating the Vice Chancellor and President on 19 June, is also expected to discuss a letter by students, staff and alumni members of the regional institution.

Staff union secretary Ilima Finiasi said they were calling on the council to inform those named in the report that it intended to officially release the report within 30 days.

USP has been hijacked, says incoming Chancellor

Mr Aingimea has also declared that he will immediately seek the support of Council colleagues to call a special Council meeting as a matter of urgency.

Calling yesterday’s decision to stand down Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia “a sad day in the history of this esteemed institution,” Mr Aingimea said, “the very individuals responsible for carrying out good governance have failed this great university.

USP to enforce report on mismanagement and abuse of office

BDO Auckland was engaged to investigate alleged corruption at the university.

According to the Islands Business, the USP Council said in a statement the BDO report had resulted in a "range of findings and recommendations that will need to be addressed to ensure the sound operation of the university".

However, the council did not say what the BDO's recommendations are.

The allegations were raised in a paper by the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, titled Issues, Concerns and Breaches of Past Management and Financial Decisions.