The Council of the University of the South Pacific says it has not made a decision to dismiss Professor Pal Ahluwalia and has established a sub-committee, absent of Fijian officials, to look into his deportation.
In a statement, the council said it was not consulted on the deportation and appointed Dr Giulio Masasso Tu’ikolongahau Paunga as vice-chancellor and president of the institution in an acting capacity.
“The council was not consulted…, that it has not made a decision to dismiss him and expressed disappointment that it was not advised as Professor Ahluwalia’s employer, of the decision to deport him.”
USP Council Statement
The sub-committee, chaired by the President of Nauru, Lionel Aingimiea, comprising council representatives of Australia, Tonga, Niu, Solomon Islands and two senate representatives have been tasked to look into the matter after which it will make its recommendations to the council.
According to the university’s website, Dr Giulio, a Tongan national is Vice President in charge of regional campuses estates and infrastructure.
