The Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of the South Pacific (USP), Professor Pal Ahluwalia, is facing renewed controversy as staff unions call for his resignation. The University of the South Pacific Staff Union (USPSU) and the President of the University Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) have organized protests at USP’s Laucala Campus, demanding Ahluwalia’s immediate removal.
The unions are accusing Ahluwalia of ineffective leadership and have requested the university’s Special Council to investigate various management and human resources issues during his time in office. This situation is notable because many staff members who are now protesting were previously strong advocates for Ahluwalia’s return to Fiji following his controversial deportation by the previous government.
Frustration and dissatisfaction have replaced the initial support he received. A major point of contention is the dismissal of biologist and former AUSPS president Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, who was terminated in July after participating in an interview with Islands Business. Ahluwalia labeled this act as a breach of contract confidentiality, describing it as “gross misconduct.”
The strike has disrupted classes, with some students arriving to find empty classrooms, unaware of the ongoing protests. The unions have also voiced their anger over reports suggesting that Professor Ahluwalia is currently on holiday abroad while the crisis unfolds, which raises further questions about his leadership.
Government ministers have not publicly addressed the situation. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro and Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh have not responded to queries regarding the dispute, leaving many to wonder about the government’s stance on the escalating situation.
As the university deals with staff unrest and operational disruptions, attention is focused on how USP’s management will tackle these serious allegations and work to restore stability at the leading educational institution in the region.