The Ministry of Education has taken decisive steps following the alleged leak of Year 12 examination papers at a secondary school in Sigatoka. The acting permanent secretary, Pene Aropio, confirmed that supplementary external examination papers have been developed for four compromised subjects: Chemistry, Computer Studies, Vosa Vaka-Viti, and Technical Drawing. Aropio assured Year 12 students that the examination timetable remains unchanged, alleviating concerns over potential disruptions.
The situation arose from a break-in at the school office, where investigation findings indicated that several national examination papers were accessed improperly. Aropio noted that the principal had deviated from standard operating procedures by storing the examination materials in their office rather than at the District Education Office, which is the established protocol.
Prompt action was taken by notifying the Fiji Police Force, which has since launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the breach and to evaluate the damage incurred. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that an inquiry is actively ongoing.
In a related development, the Ministry is planning to implement digital tracking systems and reinforce oversight protocols to ensure the integrity of future examinations and minimize the risk of such incidents. This proactive approach demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining a secure and transparent examination environment for all students in Fiji.
The incident sheds light on broader security challenges faced by educational institutions, sparking discussions on the importance of tighter security measures. Recent reports indicate that schools in various regions have experienced similar thefts, highlighting the need for school authorities to enhance protective measures, including potentially hiring security personnel.
As about 13,975 students prepare to take their Year 12 Certificate Examinations, the Ministry of Education’s decisive actions reflect a commitment to upholding educational standards and ensuring that each student can sit their exams under secure conditions. The response from both the Ministry and law enforcement underscores a collaborative effort to ensure that the integrity of the examination process is preserved, providing reassurance to students and families alike.
Through these initiatives, the educational community is working together to foster a safer environment, allowing students to focus on their studies and preparations for exams. This collective effort reflects a hopeful future for the students, where challenges can be met with resilience and support.