The University of the South Pacific says Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, has not resigned although Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro announced this in parliament yesterday. USP Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Council, Siosiua Tuitalukua Tupou Utoikamanu says Professor Ahluwalia's contract remains in effect until August 2026, following a two-year extension approved by the University Council at its 96th meeting in November 2023. He says as with any leadership transition, the University will adhere to its established governance processes.
In the meantime, the search for a new Vice-Chancellor and President will commence soon, with the Council set to confirm the timeline and approach at its next meeting in May. USP says it remains committed to stability, continuity, and good governance, and will provide further updates through official channels in due course. fijivillage News has received information that there was a discussion on Professor Ahluwalia staying on to serve his contract last year, and anything other than that would have had to be agreed to like parting amicably with the remaining term to be compensated.
Radrodro said in parliament that Professor Pal Ahluwalia had resigned verbally during a Council meeting in the Cook Islands last year.
However Professor Ahluwalia has remained tightlipped on this matter for weeks despite many follow up questions sent to USP.
USP was not responding regarding the matter although we had made many attempts to check whether Professor Ahluwalia had resigned.
While responding to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalabu’s opening speech in Parliament, Radrodro said he was instructed by the Prime Minister to resolve the USP strike last year and the Council met in Cook Islands to discuss the issues that had arisen.
He says Professor Ahluwalia, had verbally resigned to the Council, which was minuted, and he was asked to also provide a resignation in writing.
The Minister says the Council will revisit this issue in the next Council meeting to be able to proceed with the identification of the new Vice Chancellor for USP.
