The University of the South Pacific’s ranking among the top 10 per cent of universities in the world is outstanding because in global terms, it is “still a young” institution.
National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad said the ranking by the highly influential Times Higher Education world rankings for 2022 was “a monumental achievement for USP and its member states”.
“This is an outstanding tribute to USP’s leaders, including current vice-chancellor and president of USP Professor Pal Ahluwalia, staff and students, past and present,” he said.
Prof Prasad said the USP was one of only two universities in the world owned by multiple governments.
“Its member countries are small island states, spread across wide and challenging physical distances. And still USP continues to rise and thrive.”
He said the USP’s influence on the affairs of the South Pacific – and Fiji in particular – was immense.
“Fiji is privileged to host USP’s main campus and to benefit from the intellectual energy and economic activity USP creates.
“And the relationship between Fiji and USP will endure, long after the FijiFirst Government and its juvenile attacks on USP have gone into the dustbin of history.
“Future Fiji governments have before them the chance to work closely with USP, not against it.
“We can use USP’s huge stores of skills and knowledge to improve the lives of our people and to compete in the global knowledge-based economy.”
