Paunga, who currently holds the position of Deputy VC Regional Campuses, Estates and Infrastructure, was appointed today following the deportation of Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
Professor Aluwhalia and his wife were arrested at their Suva home on Wednesday night, told they were deemed a threat to the Fiji public, and swiftly deported to Australia.
The USP Council has this afternoon released a statement saying they were not consulted over Professor Pal Ahluwalia's deportation.