Alumni group slams USP’s failure to release Council meeting outcomes

A Major Concern in the Pacific Education Sector

A group of concerned alumni from the University of the South Pacific (USP) has expressed outrage over the institution’s delay in releasing the outcomes of the 98th USP Council meeting. The alumni, who have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the university’s leadership, claim that the lack of transparency is “totally unacceptable” and is particularly concerning given the ongoing strike action mandate by the USP unions.

The Situation at the Rarotonga Meeting

The 98th Council meeting was held in Rarotonga in late November, but despite numerous requests for information, the university has yet to release any details about the meeting’s outcomes. The alumni statement released earlier this week claims that Professor Pal Ahluwalia, the USP vice-chancellor and president, had indicated his intention to step down from his position during the meeting.

However, the USP has denied these allegations, stating that information about Professor Ahluwalia’s potential resignation is “inaccurate”. The university did not respond to a specific question from RNZ Pacific regarding whether the vice-chancellor had resigned.

New Appointments and Decision-Making

Despite the controversy surrounding the meeting, the USP has announced several key appointments. A new Visitor has been appointed, who is Mr Daniel Fatiaki, a former Chief Justice of Fiji and Vanuatu. Fatiaki is also an alumnus of the university and has a Preliminary 2 degree from the early 1970s.

The alumni statement claims that Professor Ahluwalia indicated his intention to step down as Visitor during the meeting, but this information appears to be inaccurate according to the USP.

The Role of New Zealand and Australia

The University of the South Pacific is jointly owned by 12 Pacific Island nations. Since its inception in 1968, New Zealand and Australia have been major development partners of the institution, providing core funding for the university.

In light of these developments, it is clear that there are significant issues at play within the USP. The delay in releasing meeting outcomes and the controversy surrounding Professor Ahluwalia’s potential resignation raise questions about transparency and accountability within the institution.

Conclusion

The University of the South Pacific must prioritize transparency and open communication with its stakeholders, particularly during times of crisis or uncertainty. With significant implications for the region’s education sector, it is crucial that the USP takes steps to address these concerns and restore public trust.

As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Pacific Islands taxpayers and fee-paying students deserve better than a lack of transparency and accountability from their university.

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