The USP Students Association says students are concerned about the future of USP and the security of their studies.
In response to questions by fijivillage, USPSA Secretary-General Emosi Vakarua says the non-payment of grants by the Fijian Government creates insecurity among students about the quality and level of support and teaching staff that USP is able to provide.
Vakarau adds students are concerned with the Fijian government owing such a huge amount to USP and they are questioning the government’s priority towards education.
He says they feel that the government has many other alternatives, including 5 voting members on the USP Council – the largest any member country has – to resolve any issues instead of holding back its grant to USP.
Vakarau says the impact of this grant being withheld will be felt by USP students as the development of infrastructure and its maintenance will continue to be deferred, affecting the learning and teaching environment of students.
He stresses that this will also affect USP's budget and it will affect support and teaching staff recruitment which will affect the core business of USP.
After Acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum’s confirmation that the Fijian government will not release the withheld grants to the University of the South Pacific, the university confirms that USP will start the new year with Fiji yet to pay $61.3 million based on the formula agreed to by the University Grants Committee.
The university confirms the USP Council has approved the 2022 Annual Plan and although there are many projects and infrastructure that have been deferred due to Fiji’s withheld grant, the university is managing because of the sacrifices made by its staff and management.
When questioned by fijivillage on whether the USP grants will be released, Sayed-Khaiyum says they will not release the funds until a full independent investigation into USP is done.
However he says they continue to pay for the fees of the students under the TELs and Toppers schemes.
In the USP Council’s November meeting, concerns were raised by the Committee on the ongoing challenges as a result of Fiji’s withheld grant to the USP.
It further noted the financial impact and risks associated with not receiving Fiji’s grant and advised the Council to resolve the matter amicably.
The USP Council is the highest decision-making body of the University, and usually meets twice a year to discuss the affairs of the University.
Members of the Council comprise the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, the Vice-Chancellor and President, Deputy Pro-Chancellor, representatives of the 12 Member-Country Governments, Australia and New Zealand Government representatives, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Secretary General, USP Senate Representatives, Staff representatives, Student representatives and Co-opted members.
When questioned by fijivillage on whether USP has had any discussions on the release of the withheld grants by Fiji, USP Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia says the USP Council has delegated this matter to a sub-committee and it is working through the process.
When asked on how will the students, staff and USP get affected as a whole if the grants are not released again this year, Professor Ahluwalia says USP remains committed and is focused on delivering a quality education and student experience to the South Pacific.
However USP confirms many projects and infrastructure have been deferred due to Fiji’s withheld grant.
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