The Head of a Secondary School in Sigatoka is under investigation following the theft of Fiji Year 12 Certificate Examination papers from his office. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro reported that significant examination papers, including those for Chemistry, Computer Studies, Technical Drawing, and Vosa Vakaviti, were taken during this breach.
Law enforcement has been quick to respond; police have been notified, and investigations are underway to identify the culprits and assess the security breach’s extent. Preliminary findings from the Nadroga/Navosa Education Office indicate that the principal violated several procedures outlined in the Ministry’s Policy on External Examinations and Assessment. Notably, the exam papers were improperly stored in his office instead of the designated District Education Office, and he failed to promptly report the break-in to the education authorities.
In response to this serious incident, the Acting Permanent Secretary for Education convened an emergency meeting with senior officials to determine the next steps for the Ministry. To ensure that examinations for the affected subjects can proceed on time, supplementary exam papers have already been prepared.
Minister Radrodro reassured Year 12 students that their exams will occur as scheduled, without any changes to the official timetable. The Examinations and Assessment Unit is currently conducting a nationwide review of exam storage and security protocols to avert similar occurrences in the future. The Minister highlighted the necessity for school heads to strictly adhere to examination policies to maintain the integrity of Fiji’s national exams.
The incident has further sparked discussions about school security across Fiji, aligning with concerns raised in various regions regarding the need for better safeguards against break-ins. Recommendations for enhanced security measures, including the potential hiring of security personnel, have been proposed to ensure the protection of educational institutions. This proactive strategy aims to foster a safer environment for students, thereby reinforcing trust within the community and among parents. By collaborating with local authorities, schools can create a secure educational setting that allows students to concentrate on their studies and exams without fear of disruption.