From left, Professor Rajesh Chandra, Lord Tu'ivakano and Ikbal Jannif. Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 15 May 2013.

A plan to upgrade the Tonga campus of the University of the South Pacific was welcomed by Tonga's Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano, when he opened the 76th Meeting of the USP Council in Nuku'alofa on May 15.

The Prime Minister said USP continues to provide quality education and is continuously meeting the aspirations of Tongan youths and young people in the Pacific region. He applauded the university for recognizing the basic demand for education in Tonga by taking action to expand and upgrade its USP Tonga campus.

"It is my vision that this collaboration between USP and the Tongan Government would continue to benefit our citizens. Students believe USP provides an exceptional education environment that will enhance their employment opportunities beyond national and regional boundaries. The increasing number of students enrolled at USP Tonga campus confirms this," he said.

USP Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rajesh Chandra thanked the Prime Minister and Government of Tonga for being great hosts. "USP will take further steps to strengthen its engagement with the people and the government of Tonga," he said. 

Today, May 16, the meeting will receive Queen Nanasipau'u who will launch a Study on Tongan Youth Diabetes Report.

The meeting held at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre is attended by council members including Pacific Education MInisters.