Shadow Minister for Education, Hem Chand, is urging the Coalition Government to address ongoing issues at the University of the South Pacific by organizing a special meeting as soon as possible.
Chand emphasized that unresolved issues could lead to strike actions by staff unions, which would disrupt student learning and negatively impact the quality of education provided by the university.
He noted that staff unions have been in conflict with the university management for several months, with recent media reports indicating a significant number of staff members are unhappy with the institution’s leadership.
Chand highlighted that approximately 70 percent of the university’s staff are Fijians, and he underscored the importance of the Fijian government advocating for their welfare and concerns through representation at the USP council.
He stressed that the welfare of both students and staff, as well as the needs of the member countries, should be the top priority for the university. Chand called for the university to focus on improving the quality of education and research.
The Minister for Education confirmed in parliament last week that the Coalition Government is aware of the staff’s concerns, which include issues related to staff terminations.