The Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of the South Pacific (USP), Professor Pal Ahluwalia, is facing renewed calls for his resignation from staff unions. The University of the South Pacific Staff Union (USPSU) and the University Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) are protesting at the Laucala Campus, demanding Ahluwalia’s immediate removal.
The unions claim his leadership is inadequate and have requested the university’s Special Council to investigate management and human resources problems under his leadership. This situation is particularly notable, as many staff members had previously supported Ahluwalia’s return to Fiji after his controversial deportation by the prior government.
What was once enthusiasm for his leadership has now turned into frustration and dissatisfaction. A major point of contention is the termination of Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, a biologist and former AUSPS president, who was dismissed in July after speaking to Islands Business, which Ahluwalia labeled a breach of contract confidentiality and “gross misconduct.”
The ongoing strike has disrupted classes, leaving some students arriving in empty classrooms, unaware of the protests. The unions have also expressed anger at reports that Professor Ahluwalia is currently on holiday abroad amid the crisis, further questioning his leadership capabilities.
The government ministers have not commented on the situation, with Education Minister Aseri Radrodro and Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh remaining silent on the issue. Their lack of response has raised concerns about the government’s stance on the growing dispute.
As the university grapples with staff unrest and operational challenges, attention remains focused on how USP’s management will address these serious allegations and work to restore stability at the institution.