University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Vice Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia is back in Fiji.
Professor Ahluwalia was welcomed at the Nadi Airport this morning by students and staff from USP.
He returned with his wife Sandy Price.
This is the first time they are back in Fiji after the previous government issued a prohibition order against him and his wife.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in December removed the prohibition order to ensure the exiled USP Vice-Chancellor is free to return to Fiji.
“It is an absolute joy to be back and an opportunity for us to continue serving USP. The support from staff, students and regional governments has just been incredible. It was so beautiful to see how much our staff fought; the fight wasn’t just for me; it was for a bigger cause and I’m just a catalyst for the bigger change they wanted to see,” Professor Ahluwalia said.
“The next step for me is to work with my Senior Management Team to make sure we get the best out of our students and the region.”
He plans to visit the USP Pacific TAFE Centre in Namaka today, followed by the USP Lautoka Campus, where he will meet with staff and students.
Professor Ahluwalia has been working out of the Samoa Campus in Alafua since December 2021.
On Twitter, Fiji’s deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka said, “Fiji welcomes you back with open arms, Prof. Ahluwalia and Price. We look forward to your positive leadership for the region and may you continue to usher our University to greater heights.”
