PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has told the 100th USP Council meeting he almost turned back when he was informed that Fiji still had outstanding debts to be paid to the university.
“On my way here, I realised that we had a debt, Fiji has a debt, so I had to very quickly check with my office and check with our Ministry of Finance whether we have cleared that,” he said.
“I almost turned back when they said we haven’t.”
Mr Rabuka assured the member countries Fiji was getting there and would eventually pay it off.
Before the Coalition Government took office, Fiji had a total of $116million unpaid grant owed to USP.
In February 2023, former finance minister Professor Prasad, on behalf of the Government, had released $10million to the university.
He said this was the first tranche payment to clear the outstanding grant owed to USP.
Meanwhile, Professor Steven Ratuva told this newspaper yesterday that transparency was very significant and it would be discussed in the financial report at the council meeting.
“In terms of any institution, whether its USP or whether it’s a government agency, it’s important to have ethical processes in place to make sure public funding is looked after,” Professor Ratuva said. “So, in the next couple of days we will certainly be looking at some of those.”
PM reaffirms unwavering support
PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reaffirmed Fiji’s unwavering support for the University of the South Pacific, its council, staff, and students.
He told the 100th USP Council meeting in Nadi yesterday the university must continue to stand as a beacon of Pacific unity, excellence, and hope.
“As you continue your deliberations, I encourage you to remember the spirit that guided our founders: unity, courage, and foresight,” Mr Rabuka said.
“As we reset and renew the university, let us always place students and member countries at the centre of every decision.
“Fiji will continue to hold USP in the highest regard as our own regional university, and we assure you of our enduring support.”
Mr Rabuka urged the USP member countries their deliberations should be guided by the same spirit that inspired the founders of the university.
“May this centennial council mark not only the close of one chapter, but the confident beginning of another – one defined by clarity, stability and integrity in shared Pacific leadership.
“As you reset the university, I urge you to place firmly in the centre the students that you serve and the countries who are members of USP.”
Mr Rabuka stressed USP’s continued investment in digital innovation, improved learning environments, stronger campuses, and good governance.
Minister clarifies VC appointment
IT is the collective responsibility of USP council members to make the appointment of the new vice-chancellor, says Education Minister Aseri Radrodro.
He made the remark yesterday during an interview at the 100th USP Council meeting in Nadi.
“The Government is part of the 12 university council member countries and the process of an appointment of a new vicechancellor is under the proviso of the University Council meeting,” he said.
“We are part of the member countries of the USP Council, so it is our collective responsibility as council members to make the appointment of our new vice-chancellor.”
Mr Radrodro acknowledged that the right person to ask about the appointment of a new vice-chancellor was USP pro-chancellor and chair of the council and interim management group (IMG), Siosiua Utoikamanu.
“Details of the appointment that will have to come from the university VC and University secretariat “The recruitment process is to be initiated, and the details of the process will be discussed in this USP Council meeting.
“I recommend getting the details from the provice-chancellor after this meeting.”
Meanwhile Professor Steven Ratuva did not confirm whether he would apply for the post.
“No, I am not sure whether I want to because I’m pretty busy at the moment.”
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told the member countries that Fiji would support USP in its search for a new vice-chancellor.
