The University of the South Pacific Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia has congratulated Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad, following the announcement of a well-balanced and thought-out 2023-2024 budget.
Professor Ahluwalia expressed his appreciation and that of the University at the coalition government’s commitment to clearing Fiji’s arrears.
He says the University welcomes Friday’s announcement of a further $20 million, in addition to the restoration of their annual contribution.
The Vice Chancellor says that the $10 million paid earlier this year provided much-needed financial relief and was used to support their staff, enable them to begin addressing their deferred maintenance and contribute to providing a quality student experience.
Professor Ahluwalia says this is indeed a strong signal of Fiji’s confidence in the regional institution, and he knows that the other member governments will be very pleased with this ongoing commitment.
The USP Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the Fiji government for increasing the budget allocation to the Education Sector to $845 million, of which $505.4 million was provided to the Ministry of Education, the largest allocation for any sector under this budget.
He says education is the great leveller and is the best tool for achieving economic and social mobility, inclusion and equality, and this budget is a testament to the government’s steadfast resolve to create opportunities for our communities in that regard.
The region’s premier university also recognises the new scholarship structure under the rebranded Fijian Scholarship Scheme and looks forward to working with the Fiji government in delivering quality and globally recognised tertiary education to Fijians and all regional member countries.
