Allegations have emerged against the University of the South Pacific (USP) regarding the charging of students for in-person tuition courses that are being conducted online. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the replacement of full-time staff with consultants from India.
Rosalia Fatiaki, general secretary of the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff Association (AUSPS), brought these issues to light during the fifth day of the USP strike. Members of AUSPS, along with the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPU), are currently on strike demanding the removal of the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, citing poor leadership and other grievances.
Fatiaki emphasized the need for parents to urge the government to hold USP accountable, warning that the quality of education is at risk. She noted that while the psychology program is offered online, students have expressed a desire for face-to-face interactions.
The unions have also reported cases where full-time staff have been replaced by online instructors from India, particularly within the agriculture program at the Alafua Campus in Samoa.
Bindiya Rashni, a Biology PhD student and part-time tutor, shared her concerns regarding the sudden termination of their supervisor, Tamara Osborne Naikatini, which has left many students uncertain about their graduation prospects. Rashni highlighted that without a qualified expert to oversee their theses, approximately 12 PhD students find themselves in a precarious situation, and she has had to step in to teach courses at the request of Dr. Tamara.
Rashni expressed frustration over delays in completing her studies and the lack of specialized support, stating that the absence of expertise severely impacts the quality of their doctoral research.
In response to these allegations, USP stated that the two unions can only address grievances as outlined in the approved strike mandate. They acknowledged that other issues have been raised but noted that the university is unable to comment on matters concerning the terms and conditions of staff not included in the official strike mandate.
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