FIJI withheld its grant contribution of $27.7 million to the University of the South Pacific but the regional institution continues to function because vice-chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia took measures to ensure its financial stability.
Chancellor and Nauru President Lionel Aingimea said the grants for the years 2020 and 2021 would have made it easier for the USP to run its operations but the institution “has not stopped working” despite the setback.
Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had told Parliament that Government had requested an independent investigation into allegations raised by the university’s pro-chancellor and the chair of the audit risk committee.
He said the funds would only be released if an independent investigation was conducted.
