Three Cabinet Ministers are set to convene today to discuss a proposal that supports a request for a special meeting between the Government and the University of the South Pacific (USP). Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro confirmed yesterday that he has informed Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of the ministry’s plan for this meeting involving Radrodro, Minister for Finance Biman Prasad, and Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh. “This will be included in the agenda, urging the USP Secretary to arrange a special meeting,” Radrodro stated. He noted that the next USP Council meeting is scheduled for October or November, and the meeting among the three ministers will take place early next week.
In related news, 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 a mandate for a strike last Wednesday, aiming to remove Professor Ahluwalia, with over 90% of union members supporting the action. Shadow Minister for Education Hem Chand noted that staff unions have been in conflict with management for several months. “The secret ballot results have shown significant dissatisfaction among staff members with the university’s leadership,” he stated. Chand emphasized that since a large portion of USP’s staff are Fijians, it is imperative for the Fijian Government to advocate for their welfare and concerns at the USP Council. He pointed out that the university must focus on improving the quality of education and research. Chand added that the Education Minister has acknowledged in Parliament the concerns raised by the staff unions, warning that unresolved issues could lead to strike actions that disrupt students’ learning.