Professor Pal Ahluwalia says his plans and vision to steer the University of the South Pacific to become a world-class institution through ‘Shaping Pacific Futures’ remains unchanged.
Resuming his role as the university’s vice-chancellor and president effective yesterday, Professor Ahluwalia said his six months stay in Nauru, since his deportation from Fiji, provided him first-hand regional campus experience and a better position to elevate standards.
In thanking the President of Nauru, the Government of Nauru, the USP Council and staff and students for their unwavering support for him and his wife during the last few months, Professor Ahluwalia called for continued support to raise the profile of the university.
USP’s Student Council Interim Chair and President, Lepani Naqarase said the Association and its members are delighted that Professor Ahluwalia has resumed duties as the University’s VC&P.
“Professor Ahluwalia has our full support, and we will continue working with him and his Senior Management Team towards the common and shared future of USP driving the University towards excellence for the betterment of our Pacific people’.
Association of USP Staff President Elizabeth Fong said that the Association is delighted that Professor Ahluwalia has rejoined the University.
“The Association acknowledges the USP Council for standing strong and united in its decision that Professor Ahluwalia was the best from a group of internationally recognised applicants for the position; that he deserves the opportunity to lead and serve our regional institution,” she said.
“The University needs strong leadership that lives and breathes good governance, and we believe that Professor Ahluwalia, with his SMT and the support of staff and students, will take the University through these challenging times.”
Professor Ahluwalia returns to the helm of USP on a three-year contract, working out of the university’s Samoa campus.
USP Samoa Campus Director, Dr Fanaafi Tagaloa said the campus is pleased to host Professor Ahluwalia and his wife, Sandy Price.
“Samoa Campus is ready to serve our wider USP Family and to work with Professor Ahluwalia in any way we can.”
