The University of the South Pacific in Fiji says some courses and staff members may be cut following a request by the university to have its government contributions reduced by two percent or 1.5 million US dollars over three years.
The USP Vice chancellor Professor Rajesh Chandra says the Government Contributions are given every three years and for the next three years, the university has decided it can cope with a two percent drop in funding even though it could lead to a reduction in courses and staff numbers.
"Given the financial crisis and the economic difficulties of our member countries, the university management decided to suggest that instead of asking for an increase, the university could make do with a two percent decrease."
Professor Chandra says the university is currently undergoing a total academic review to reduce programmes that are no longer viable and find ways to prevent a slump in the quality of services.
