Professor Pal Ahluwalia, the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of the South Pacific (USP), is facing renewed calls for his resignation from staff unions amid ongoing protests. The University of the South Pacific Staff Union (USPSU) and the President of the University Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) have staged demonstrations at USP’s Laucala Campus, demanding Ahluwalia’s immediate removal.
The unions claim that under Ahluwalia’s leadership, the university’s management and human resources issues have not been adequately addressed, prompting them to request an investigation by the university’s Special Council. This situation is notable, as many staff members who previously supported Ahluwalia’s return to Fiji after his controversial deportation have since shifted to expressing their frustration.
A significant point of contention includes the dismissal of biologist Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, a former AUSPS president, who was terminated in July following an interview she gave to Islands Business. Ahluwalia condemned the interview as a breach of confidentiality, labeling it as “gross misconduct.”
The ongoing strike has caused class disruptions, with some students attending empty classrooms without knowledge of the developments. Additionally, there has been outrage among the unions regarding reports that Ahluwalia is currently on holiday abroad during this crisis, further raising concerns about his ability to lead.
Meanwhile, government ministers have not commented on the situation. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro and Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh have not responded to inquiries, leaving many to speculate about the government’s stance on the escalating tensions.
As USP faces a period of staff unrest and operational challenges, attention is focused on how the leadership will manage the serious allegations and work towards restoring stability at the institution.