Samoa hosts U.S.P. meeting

By Sarafina Sanerivi 18 May 2016, 12:00AM

Samoa is the venue for the University of the South Pacific’s (U.S.P.) 82nd Council meeting, which was officially opened yesterday.

Held at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, the meeting was opened by Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi. 

The meeting is an opportunity for all member countries of the University to get an insight of how the University has been progressing since the last annual meeting.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa acknowledged the University for choosing Samoa as the venue for their meetings this week.

 “The U.S.P. continues to provide quality education that aligns with the aspirations of the youth of the Pacific; and that even with the sprouting of national institutions, more and more, U.S.P. has become the first choice for those seeking higher education for better opportunities,” Tuilaepa said. 

“Many of the Pacific countries including Samoa are benefitting from the returning graduates of the U.S.P. who have assumed roles of leadership and are helping towards shaping the future of our countries.

 “It is worth noting that the University has set a high standard for quality in its research in areas including business management, teacher education, Pacific studies, marine studies, agriculture, science and technology. Because of its strategic position and facilities, U.S.P. is already attracting eminent scholars and staff from all over the world.”

Professor Rajesh Chandra, Vice Chancellor and President of U.S.P. said the meeting is an opportunity for the University to shape the future.

 “During this meeting, we will approve some policies, programmes; go through the annual report, implementation plans, reviews and reports from finance and so many important issues,” he said.

“It gives the member countries the opportunity to see how and what the university is doing, and discuss what else they want the university to do. That’s what this council is about.”

He also used the opportunity to reassure member countries that the University had been progressing really well, thanking all the 12 members for their support.

“The University has made remarkable progress,” he said. 

“Its enrolment has increased substantially; finances are in good order; quality has improved; its reputation continues to rise; its support from governments and development partners is excellent; and the University has grown into a confident institution that looks to celebrate its anniversary. 

“None of this would have been achieved without the wisdom and support of our leaders.”

The University is owned by the governments of 12 Pacific countries and maintains a presence in all of them. Today is the last day of this meeting. 

By Sarafina Sanerivi 18 May 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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