Concerned alumni of the University of the South Pacific (USP) have expressed frustration over the delay in the release of outcomes from the 98th USP Council's meeting that was held in Rarotonga last month.

Dr Morgan Tuimaleali’ifano, speaking on behalf of the alumni, described the lack of timely updates as “totally unacceptable” for a regional institution striving to be “competitive and progressive.”

And according to RNZ Pacific the alumni group stated that the regional university's main decision-making body and support staff's failure to provide a timely update "to keep the Pacific Islands taxpayers and fee-paying students fully informed about important decisions…is becoming totally unacceptable".

Dr Tuimaleali’ifano emphasised the need for transparency, especially in light of ongoing union strikes and investigations into the Vice-Chancellor’s conduct.

“Tax-payers and fee-paying students deserve to be fully informed about important decisions concerning their regional University’s progress and development,” he stated.

The tenure for USP Vice Chancellor and president Professor Pal Ahluwalia, was discussed in a closed session during the meeting according to a reliable source and because the topic was confidential, there were no other details about the matter.

Earlier this week, there was speculation that the USP vice-chancellor, who had fallen out of favour with the staff unions, had stepped down from his role at the Rarotonga meeting.

However, the USP told RNZ Pacific that information about Professor Ahluwalia resigning was "inaccurate".

The university did not respond to RNZ Pacific's specific question on whether the VCP had resigned.

"The University of the South Pacific wishes to clarify that the allegations regarding events at the 98th Council meeting are inaccurate," a USP spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, at the meeting, the Council appointed Siosiua Tuitalukua Tupou Utoikamanu of Tonga as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Council for a three-year term.

Utoikamanu, an accomplished international development professional with over 40 years of experience, previously served as Director of USP’s Pacific Islands Centre for Public Administration (PICPA) and is an alumnus of the university.

Acting Pro-Chancellor Emeritus Professor Pat Walsh welcomed the appointment, describing Utoikamanu as “a renowned international development professional with impeccable credentials” who will guide USP into its next phase.

With high expectations for his leadership, stakeholders are hopeful that the university will address pressing concerns while ensuring the timely dissemination of critical updates.

The following major decisions were announced, pending confirmation of minutes:

1. After almost a year, a new Pro Chancellor and Chair of Council is appointed- Siosiua Utoikamanu of Tonga, former Director of USP’s Pacific Island’s Centre for Public Administration (PICPA).

2. A new USP Visitor has also been appointed- Daniel Fatiaki, former Chief Justice of Fiji and Vanuatu. He is an alumnus and Preliminary 2 graduate in the early 1970s.

3. On the first day, VCP indicated he would be stepping down from the VCP position.

4. A Committee of Council chaired by a new PC with government representatives from Cook Islands, RMI and Solomon Islands, Chairs of Audit and Risks Committee and Finance and Resources Committee plus one other with relevant expertise on contract matters was appointed to negotiate the terms for his 'step down' and/or resignation.

5. Council has instructed the appointment of interim VCP and negotiations of terms to be complete by end January and for a Special Council to be called if necessary to finalise transitional arrangements.

6. Regarding the investigation on the VCP as per the Special Council decision on September 24, the investigator raised various issues of concern including the lack of sufficient time to complete her report.

7. Re: the sacking of the Association of USP Staff President, Council instructed the incoming acting VCP to re-address the matter based on three principle elements; conflict of interest of VCP, natural justice and Employment Relations Act with a decision to be reported to Council by end of January.

Investigations are ongoing on the Vice Chancellor as per Special Council decision.

Talaia Mika / RNZ Pacific