By Staff Writer
The University of the South Pacific Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia, is re-instated.
The 35-member USP council resolved in a special meeting held through the satellite on Friday was not convinced that due process was followed in the suspension of Professor Ahluwalia.
Deputy Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Minister of Education Loau Keneti Sio attended the closed online session from the USP campus Alafua.
Other local senior officials from the Ministry of Education and the Alafua Campus were close by to give support if needed.
The regional university has been in turmoil since the Vice Chancellor was suspended from duties on pay and without withdrawal of privileges on June 9 after a special sitting of the Executive Committee of the council.
In a statement following the Friday council meeting it was resolved that the suspension of the Vice-Chancellor and president by the Executive Committee be set aside; and
That the process as prescribed in An Ordinance to Govern the Discipline of the Vice-Chancellor be followed in investigating any allegations against the Vice-Chancellor and president.
Deputy PM Fiame and Education Minister Loau are yet to comment on the Council meeting that went on from 9.00am – 5.00pm.
However, Fiji’s Minister for Education Rosy Akbar said Fiji would stand by the council decision.
Her comments were in response to concerns at the Fiji Government alleged meddling in the affairs of the regional University.
Fijian Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Council Winston Thompson had to recuse himself halfway through the meeting.
Ms Akbar said this was to avoid any conflict of interest.
The Nauru Minister took over as chair.
She emphasised that Fiji does not interfere in the governance issues at USP.
“We never have and we will never do that. We are part of a council that governs a regional university,” Ms Akbar said.