Radrodro Seeks Clarity on USP Issues

Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro is seeking answers about recent events at the University of the South Pacific (USP) following a strike by dissatisfied staff members.

The staff union is demanding the suspension of Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia to allow for an independent investigation into various allegations.

Minister Radrodro revealed that a special council meeting in September had agreed to appoint an independent investigator to look into the claims against the Vice Chancellor.

However, the terms for this investigation have not yet been finalized, and the report was supposed to be presented at next month's council meeting.

Union members believe the delay in the investigation process is intentional, as the council secretariat reports directly to the Vice Chancellor.

“We are following up with the council, Pro Chancellor, and secretariat about the timeline for these processes,” Radrodro stated.

“This includes the appointment of the visitor and the independent investigator. We need to make sure that everything agreed upon is done to address the staff unions' concerns.”

He mentioned that inquiries have been sent multiple times from both Fiji and other council members for updates on the situation at USP.

While Radrodro welcomed the end of the strike, he stressed that the ministry will continue to push for a peaceful resolution between university management and staff.

“We hope for a resolution that lets both sides focus on university operations and improvements, ensuring that students are not negatively impacted as exams approach,” he added.