Three Cabinet Ministers are expected to convene today to discuss plans for hosting a special meeting between the government and the University of the South Pacific (USP). Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro informed that he has assured Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of the ministry’s intention to facilitate this discussion.
The meeting will include Radrodro, Minister for Finance Biman Prasad, and Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh. Radrodro noted that the agenda will push for the USP Secretary to organize a special meeting. The next USP Council meeting is scheduled for around October or November, with the ministers planning to meet sometime on Monday or Tuesday.
In a related matter, the Opposition has called on the government to swiftly address the internal conflict between staff unions and USP Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia. The University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) received a mandate last Wednesday to strike for the removal of Professor Ahluwalia, with over 90 percent support from union members.
Shadow Minister for Education Hem Chand stated that the staff unions have been in conflict with management for several months. He highlighted that a recent secret ballot showed significant dissatisfaction with the university’s leadership among the staff. Chand noted that since about 70 percent of USP staff are Fijians, the Fijian Government should prioritize their welfare and ensure their concerns are represented at the USP Council.
He emphasized that the university’s main focus should be to improve the quality of education and research. Chand added that Education Minister Aseri Radrodro confirmed in Parliament last week that the government is aware of the staff unions’ concerns. He warned that unresolved issues could lead to strike actions, disrupting student learning.