The Ministry of Education has addressed concerns regarding claims of excessive spending during the 2024-2025 financial year. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro clarified that the Ministry’s budget was set at $651 million, but due to a redeployment by the Ministry of Finance, the effective budget was reduced to $636.7 million.
Radrodro noted that while the Ministry sought an additional $23.8 million to close the financial year, the actual over-expenditure amounted to $18.7 million. He emphasized that without the redeployment of funds, the over-expenditure would have only reached $4.4 million.
The Minister detailed the key factors contributing to the budget variance. Among them were $2.3 million for salary upgrades following qualification improvements for 296 personnel, $3.6 million allocated for acting allowances for staff on leave, and $0.5 million approved for 13 school chaplains by the Cabinet. Additionally, $4.0 million was earmarked for the regularization of staff under PSC Circular 2/2024, which is currently under review due to a court ruling, alongside $7.0 million for salary adjustments for 4,731 regularized staff. Other costs included $0.2 million for overtime for non-teaching staff and $1.1 million for reinstating senior positions following a job evaluation review.
Furthermore, Radrodro disclosed the appointment of over 500 new teachers and 30 curriculum advisory staff, including some who were rehired following court decisions or extensions related to retirement age. He expressed concern over misleading statements circulating on social media, noting that these have politicized the situation and negatively impacted staff morale and governance standards.
Despite these challenges, the Ministry remains committed to supporting its teachers and ensuring student success. The Minister highlighted a notable achievement, reporting a 95 percent pass rate for school leavers last year. Additionally, the Ministry has wrapped up a special audit in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and is currently awaiting feedback. Radrodro maintained that ensuring fair compensation for teachers and addressing sector needs could attract criticism but is essential for promoting fairness and accountable governance.
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