It is a delight to be back at work – Ahluwalia

University of the South Pacific’s Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia says after what has been a disruptive two weeks, it is a delight to be back at work however the USP Council has stated that allegations of material misconduct against Professor Ahluwalia will still be investigated.

In an email to staff and students, Professor Ahluwalia says he is overwhelmed by the show of support by all of them and the decision to reinstate him is a decision that reflects all the prayers and good wishes.

He says his wife and him will always be humbled and grateful for the support across the region.

Ahluwalia says it is now time for all of them to focus on the well-being and future of their students.

He adds no doubt, over the last few days, they have been distracted and it is now everyone’s responsibility to ensure that they are able to do their best as they come towards the end of the semester.

Ahluwalia further says COVID-19 has already impacted on their core business but it is now evident that they will be able to resume face-to-face teaching in the second semester.

He says for all their students, especially in the region, provisions will be made to continue remote teaching to ensure that the current academic year can be successfully completed.

Ahluwalia further says it is now time for them to move forward and do their best to restore the pride and esteem in which USP is held.

Meanwhile, Ahluwalia was reinstated to office on Friday.

The USP Council had stated that having considered the decision by the university’s Executive Committee to suspend Ahluwalia, the Council was not persuaded that due process was followed in the suspension of Vice-Chancellor Ahluwalia.

The USP Council says they set aside the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor and President by the Executive Committee and have resolved that the process as prescribed in An Ordinance to Govern the Discipline of the Vice-Chancellor be followed in investigating any allegations against the Vice-Chancellor and President.

The allegations of material misconduct against Professor Ahluwalia will still be investigated however he will remain in office during the course of the investigations.