Samoa's Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaleto'a Sualauvi II and Masiofo Fa'amausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano, flew to Fiji on Monday to attend the University of the South Pacific's graduation. 

His Highness Tuimaleali'ifano was appointed the 29th Chancellor of the regional university during the U.S.P. Samoa Campus graduation ceremony in August this year. 

They are accompanied by the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo with the graduation ceremony scheduled 6–7 October. 

This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Office of the Government Press Secretariat which was distributed to the media on Monday afternoon. 

The Samoa Observer understand that they flew out of Samoa on Monday evening and will be in Fiji until 7 October. 

The appointment of Tuimaleali'ifano as the Chancellor of the U.S.P. is considered a historical as it marked the first time a regional campus had both the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor at the same location. 

The Chancellorship position is rotated between Pacific member countries of U.S.P. and it comes around every twelve years.

This time around, both the Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia and the Chancellor are based in Samoa where the Samoa Campus is located. 

The Pro-Chancellor of U.S.P. Honorable Hilda Heine from the Marshall Islands was not able to attend the ceremony to conduct the installation of the Chancellor upon the Head of State this year, leaving that responsibility to the Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Seuula Ioane to perform the role on her behalf as council member from Samoa. 

The U.S.P. Samoa Campus Director, Tootoooleaava Dr. Fanaafi Aiono Le Tagaloa during the announcement of Samoa's Head of State becoming the Chancellor of the university said the appointment of His Highness is a proud moment for Samoa. 

Samoa’s Head of State recently ended his five-year term with the Government agreeing to extend his appointment for another five years.