The University of the South Pacific (USP) Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, sent a congratulatory message to Fiji’s Prime Minister, Minister for Public Enterprises, Civil Service and Foreign Affairs, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Honourable Professor Biman Prasad, following the announcement of a well-balanced and thought-out 2023-2024 budget for the Republic of Fiji.
Professor Ahluwalia expressed his appreciation and that of the University at the coalition government’s commitment to clearing Fiji’s arrears, “The University welcomes Friday’s (June 30, 2023) announcement of a further $20 million, in addition to the restoration of your annual contribution.”
He added that the $10 million paid earlier this year provided much-needed financial relief and was used to “support our staff, enable us to begin addressing our deferred maintenance and contribute to providing a quality student experience.”
“This is indeed a strong signal of Fiji’s confidence in our regional institution, and I know that our other member governments will be very pleased with this ongoing commitment,” Professor Ahluwalia said.
The USP Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the Fiji government for increasing the budget allocation to the Education Sector to $845 million, of which $505.4 million was provided to the Ministry of Education, the largest allocation for any sector under this budget.
He remarked, “Education is the great leveller and is the best tool for achieving economic and social mobility, inclusion and equality, and this budget is a testament to your government’s steadfast resolve to create opportunities for our communities in that regard.”
The region’s premier university also recognises the new scholarship structure under the rebranded Fijian Scholarship Scheme and looks forward to working with the Fiji government in delivering quality and globally recognised tertiary education to Fijians and all regional member countries.
