The Education Ministry in Fiji has withheld or delayed free education grants to 52 schools, affecting more than 22,000 students. This issue arose due to the non-compliance of these schools with necessary financial requirements. The Education Ministry’s finance director, Thomas Prasad, disclosed this situation during the Fiji Principals Association conference held in Nadi. Prasad emphasized the importance of financial compliance, stating that efforts must be made by school leaders to ensure they possess the requisite skills to manage school finances effectively.
Prasad outlined that the ministry’s budget for the 2025-2026 financial year includes $675 million, with $40 million specifically allocated for the back-to-school assistance program. The ministry remains committed to ensuring that grants properly contribute to educational resources, which are critical for learning outcomes.
The compliance issue affects several regions, including Cakaudrove, Eastern, Lautoka, Yasawa, Macuata, Bua, Nadroga, Navosa, Nausori, Ra, and Suva, which has the highest number of non-compliant schools. Prasad encouraged school leaders to improve financial management and compliance with the Free Education Grant (FEG) guidelines.
Non-compliance in financial auditing within schools has been an ongoing issue in Fiji, with previous reports highlighting mismanagement, unaccounted funds, and structural deficiencies in financial documentation. The Ministry aims to address these concerns by reinforcing financial governance among school heads through targeted training and enhanced oversight.
The broader backdrop to these compliance issues has been ongoing scrutiny and reform efforts within Fiji’s education sector, aiming to ensure that educational grants are used effectively and transparently. By improving financial accountability and encouraging responsible management, there is potential for more significant educational advancements that directly benefit students.
As the ministry continues to work toward strengthening the education system’s financial integrity, there is hope that schools will adopt better compliance measures and that the resources allocated through grants will reach their intended educational objectives more effectively. Such efforts could lead to an improved educational environment, contributing to better outcomes for Fiji’s students.