Three Cabinet Ministers are expected to convene today to discuss a proposal to arrange a special meeting between the Government and the University of the South Pacific (USP). Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro informed reporters that he had communicated with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka about the intention of holding this special meeting involving himself, Minister for Finance Biman Prasad, and Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh.
“This will be part of the agenda, encouraging the USP Secretary to initiate this special meeting,” Mr. Radrodro stated. He added that the next official meeting of the USP Council is scheduled for October or November, and the meeting among the three ministers is anticipated to take place on either Monday or Tuesday.
In related developments, the Opposition has called on the Government to swiftly address the ongoing internal conflict between staff unions and USP’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia. The University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) received authorization for a strike last Wednesday, with over 90 percent of union members supporting the move to oust Professor Ahluwalia.
Shadow Minister for Education Hem Chand indicated that tensions between the university’s staff unions and management have escalated over the past few months. “The secret ballot results publicized indicate a significant number of staff members are dissatisfied with the institution’s leadership,” Mr. Chand remarked.
He emphasized that since around 70 percent of USP employees are Fijians, the Government has a duty to safeguard their welfare and represent their concerns in the USP Council. He further stressed the need for the university to concentrate on improving the quality of education and research.
“Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro confirmed in Parliament last week that the Government is aware of the issues raised by the staff unions,” Mr. Chand added. He warned that if these matters remain unresolved, the potential strike actions could significantly disrupt students’ learning experiences.