Over 150 staff members and students at the University of the South Pacific (USP) are participating in a strike today demanding the removal of Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia, according to reports from Fiji media outlets.
The protest, led by the Association of University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) and the University of the South Pacific Staff Union (USPSU), calls for Ahluwalia’s resignation and the reinstatement of Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini.
Participants, dressed in black to show solidarity, marched on USP’s Laucala campus, chanting slogans like “We stand for Justice!” and “Pal must go!” The unions have expressed dissatisfaction with the recent Special Council meeting outcome, accusing the Council Secretariat of stalling an independent investigation into Professor Ahluwalia’s leadership.
Rosie Fatiaki, General Secretary of AUSPS, stated, “Strike action is the right of every staff member.”

The unions accuse the Vice Chancellor of poor leadership and say the Special Council’s response has been inadequate, failing to address the core issues. The unions demand an independent investigation into Ahluwalia’s leadership, claiming the process has been deliberately delayed.
“We will not stop until there is real accountability,” the unions declared. They are calling for Ahluwalia’s immediate suspension, stating that no credible investigation can occur while he remains in office.

The USP Students Association has expressed concern about the strike’s impact on students, emphasizing the need for adherence to legal frameworks and cautioning against misinformation. While some students support the strike, the Association stresses that their primary focus is on minimizing disruptions to classes and services as final exams approach.
The strike highlights deep divisions within the university as staff seek accountability and leadership reforms. This is a developing story.