Solomon Islands Governor General installed as the 30th Chancellor of the USP

31 August 2023 – Solomon Islands Governor General, Honourable Sir David Okete Vuvuiri Vunagi, was installed as the 30th Chancellor of The University of the South Pacific (USP) during the Laucala Campus graduation ceremony held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, Fiji.

Hon. Vunagi’s term as Chancellor is for one (1) year from 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024.

The USP Chancellorship is rotated amongst USP’s 12-member countries’ Heads of State or Government. The Chancellor confers Degrees and awards Diplomas and Certificates of the university.

In congratulating Hon. Vunagi, USP’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, said the newly appointed Chancellor would play an integral role in promoting the university to the broader community.

Professor Ahluwalia added that he was confident Hon. Vunagi would make a great ambassador for the university in the region and internationally.

Following his installation, Hon. Vunagi said it was an honour to be appointed Chancellor and looks forward to visiting USP’s regional campuses as Chancellor.

“I pledge to continue upholding and maintaining the integrity of the role as was done by the previous 29 Chancellors before me. I pledge to give my support and do whatever I can to help with the university’s operations,” he added.

Hon. Vunagi also recalled fond memories of his time at USP as a student.

He said, “As a proud Alumni, I feel very humbled to be installed as the 30th Chancellor of this university. It is very special for me, as I remember being a student here at USP in the good old days almost 50 years ago. A lot has changed since then, but it is good to be back and part of this year’s graduation.”

The USP Chancellor met with the university staff and Senior Management Team, August 30, 2023 and had a brief meeting to discuss areas of development, research and collaboration.

Upon his arrival at the USP Laucala Campus, Hon Vunagi was received by USP Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Regional Campuses and Global Engagement, Dr Giulio Masasso Paunga, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Education Professor Jito Vanualailai, and Secretary to Council & Manager Council and Senate Secretariat, Ratu Totivi Bokini.

As the 30th USP Chancellor, Sir David Okete Vuvuiri Vunagi, conferred certificates, diplomas and degrees to graduates of USP.

The final graduation session will be held September 1, 2023 at the Vodafone Arena for students from the School of Accounting, Finance and Economics (SAFE), the School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS), the School of Pacific Arts, Communication and Education (SPACE), and Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (PaCE-SD).