The Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of the South Pacific (USP), Professor Pal Ahluwalia, is facing renewed controversy as staff unions have called for his resignation. The University of the South Pacific Staff Union (USPSU) and representatives from the AusPS have staged protests at USP’s Laucala Campus, demanding Ahluwalia’s immediate removal from office.
The unions criticize his leadership, alleging management and human resources failures during his tenure, and are urging the university’s Special Council to conduct an investigation. This situation is particularly noteworthy as many protesters previously supported his return to Fiji following his contentious deportation by the former government.
Staff members’ initial enthusiasm for Ahluwalia has shifted to frustration, particularly following the dismissal of biologist and former AusPS president Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini. Dr. Osborne-Naikatini was terminated in July after her comments in an interview with Islands Business were deemed a breach of contract confidentiality, leading Ahluwalia to label her actions as “gross misconduct.”
The strike has disrupted classes, with some students arriving to find their classrooms empty and unaware of the ongoing protests. Unions have also expressed anger over reports that Ahluwalia is on holiday abroad amidst the crisis, further intensifying concerns about his leadership.
Meanwhile, government ministers have not commented on the situation. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro and Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh have both remained silent on the escalating dispute, leading to speculation about the government’s stance.
As the university grapples with staff discontent and operational challenges, attention is focused on USP’s management to address these serious concerns and restore stability to the region’s prominent educational institution.