By Staff Writer
The Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Sualauvi Va’aleto’a II, gave Samoa a proud moment today, as the new Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific.
His Highness was officially installed at the regional university Samoa Campus graduation this morning at the EFKS Youth Hall, Sogi, Friday 12 August 2022.
The former Prime Minister and HRPP Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, paid tribute to His Highness as well suited in his added role.
His Highness is a former Police Commission Officer, lawyer, former Public Trustee and Member of the Council of Deputies.
“His Highness takes over at a very important time when the university is being run from the Samoa Campus at Alafua where the Vice Chancellor is now set up,” Tuilaepa assessed.
The Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa attended the investiture of His Highness at the graduation.
The Member of the Council of Deputies, Le Mamea Ropati, and his good lady were present joined by other distinguished guests and university academic staff.
Graduates, families and friends, filled up the EFKS Youth Hall in what was a celebration of academic success.
Uncertainty lingers, however, as the 5-year term in office for His Highness comes to an end.
Parliament meets in just over a week to vote whether to appoint a new Head of State or for the incumbent to serve out a second and final 5-year term.
Tuimaleali’ifano is only the second Head of State after Tui Atua Tupuola Efi to be appointed by Parliament under the new Constitutional requirement to serve for 5 years.
Tui Atua served the full 10 years when he was voted to stay on for the next 5 years.
