The University of the South Pacific Student Council says they remain deeply concerned at the non-payment of about $90 million in grants to USP by the Fijian Government and its impact on the learning and teaching, student services and deferred maintenance.
This was noted in the 25th USPSA Federal Council Meeting.
They say in the true spirit of Pacific regionalism and honouring their Vuvale relationships, the Student Council collectively calls upon the Fiji Government to immediately release the outstanding grant owed to USP for services rendered.
The Student Council says they held an open dialogue with the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, and his Senior Management Team where they received updates with relation to student welfare and security, learning and teaching, information technology, library services and administration.
They also acknowledged the leadership of Professor Pal Ahluwalia and commended the efforts of the University’s Senior Management Team for working in unity and in the spirit of regionalism.
Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has stressed that Fiji does not accept Professor Ahluwalia as the Vice Chancellor and will not release any grants to the USP until proper processes are followed to appoint a new VC and an independent investigation is carried out against Ahluwalia.
