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University of the South Pacific Vice-Chancellor Professor Rajesh Chandra says there is increasing donor confidence in the work of the university and a substantial increase in donor funding.
Speaking at today’s graduation ceremony at the Laucala campus, Chandra said the university’s financial position “remains good and continues to perform as per budget”.
“This strong support of our many development partners enables the staff and students of USP to pursue world-class learning, innovative teaching and research in priority areas, such as climate change, adaptation and renewable energy,” he told the 800-plus graduates and guests.
“With increased contributions come heightened expectations from donors and other stakeholders to deliver innovative, cost effective and sustainable solutions. The university is increasing its efforts to recruit high quality senior staff to ensure that the university produces high-quality outputs that will justify the confidence of donors.”
Chandra said more than 27 percent of the graduates were at the postgraduate level including 76 masters’ degrees and four PhDs including one, posthumous.
“Under the university’s current Strategic Plan 2010-2012, one of the university’s objectives is to increase the number of higher degree completions, not only through coursework-based Masters but more significantly through thesis-based Masters and PhDs.”
By Richard Naidu
