Three Cabinet Ministers are set to meet today to discuss organizing a special meeting between the Government and the University of the South Pacific (USP). Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro confirmed yesterday that he had conveyed this plan to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The meeting will involve Radrodro, Minister for Finance Biman Prasad, and Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh.
“This matter will be on the agenda, as we aim to encourage the USP Secretary to convene this special meeting,” Radrodro stated. He noted that the next USP Council meeting is scheduled for October or November, and the ministers’ meeting is expected to take place early next week, potentially on Monday or Tuesday.
In related news, the Opposition is pressing the Government to swiftly address the ongoing internal conflict between staff unions and USP’s Vice-Chancellor, 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, with over 90 percent of union members supporting the decision to demand Professor Ahluwalia’s removal.
Shadow Minister for Education Hem Chand reported that staff unions have been in conflict with management for several months. “Recent secret ballot results indicated significant dissatisfaction among staff with the institution’s leadership,” Chand remarked. He emphasized that the majority of USP’s staff are Fijians, and the Fijian Government must advocate for their welfare and concerns during USP Council discussions.
Chand stressed that the university should prioritize enhancing the quality of education and research. He noted that Minister Radrodro acknowledged in Parliament last week that the Government is aware of the staff unions’ concerns. He warned that failure to resolve these issues may lead to strikes, potentially disrupting students’ learning.