Having Professor Pal Ahluwalia back in Fiji is like having cold water in the middle of a desert, says USP Students Association general secretary Emosi Vakarua.

“We are very delighted,” he said. “Ever since he was deported, everything was not as good.

“We support the VC because he is trying to come up with things that would better the university as a whole.

“Having him back here is like having cold water in the middle of a desert.”

He added that while working with the Professor continued despite his deportation, it was different having back at Laucala Campus.

“Work kept going by having regular meetings with him online, but we really wanted him to be here with us.

“All of that came back to the council which agreed for him to be stationed at Alafua and then ultimately to have him back in Laucala once he was allowed back.

“Again, we are very grateful and look forward to working with him again.”

Also welcoming Prof Ahluwalia back was Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka who congratulated the USP Vice-Chancellor on his return.

“Fiji welcomes you back with open arms Prof Ahluwalia and Ms Price,” he said in a social media post.