42 schools miss grants in 2025

Forty-two primary and secondary schools in Fiji did not receive their Free Education Grants for the 2025 academic year. The Ministry of Education withheld funds from 35 primary and seven secondary schools due to non-compliance with financial management and accountability requirements.

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grant disbursements were withheld from 35 primary schools and seven secondary schools due to non-compliance with statutory financial management requirements.

Education Minister Aseri Radrodro stated that schools must adhere to the Ministry’s School Management Handbook. This includes completing termly student class audits, maintaining updated bank reconciliations, and submitting annual financial reports and meeting minutes. The Eastern Division had the highest number of affected schools, with 20 primary and four secondary institutions failing to meet standards.

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The Ministry’s School Management Handbook sets out strict accountability requirements that schools must meet before Free Education Grant funds are released.

Despite these withholdings, Radrodro highlighted a significant improvement in school administration and financial compliance nationwide. In 2022, 117 primary and 41 secondary schools failed to qualify for grants. The Ministry is also reviewing the School Management Handbook to enhance transparency, governance, and streamline operational requirements.

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Despite the 42 schools that had their grants withheld in 2025, Radrodro says there has been a significant improvement in school administration and financial compliance across the country.