The final report of an independent investigation into allegations of mismanagement and abuse of process at the University of the South Pacific (USP) is due by August 16.
The terms of reference for the investigation have been drawn up, and sent to Council members for their approval.
In a statement released today, USP’s Deputy Pro-Chancellor Aloma Johansson and the Chair of the USP Audit and Risk Committee Mahmood Khan state that once the TOR is approved, the risk and audit committee will invite several independent investigators to register their interest, with a view to starting the investigation by June 20.
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption is conducting its own investigation into the allegations, which were first reported by Islands Business last month.
The allegations are detailed in a lengthy document which questions allegedly speedy appointments and contract renewals for at least eleven senior members of the university staff, most of them Fiji nationals working at the main campus in Suva.
Since the allegations were first aired, USP’s second largest funder, New Zealand’s foreign minister has said his government is asking for explanations over the matter.