Recent data from the Ministry of Education indicates that there are currently 580 teacher vacancies in primary schools across the country, according to Paula Manumanunitoga, the general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association.
Manumanunitoga highlighted that many teachers are leaving for better salaries and working conditions abroad. He expressed disappointment after a recent meeting with the Minister of Finance, stating that the official did not grasp the gravity of the situation facing educators.
“The shortage of teachers in this country is critical. According to the ministry’s data, we have 580 vacancies at the primary level,” he said.
Fiji has approximately 736 primary schools, with each institution reportedly lacking two or three teachers. Last year, approximately 172,023 students were enrolled across these schools, which had 6,231 filled teaching positions and 184 vacant ones.
In secondary education, there are 610 vacancies among 176 secondary schools, with 64 of those positions unfilled due to mismatched subjects and the qualifications of graduates.
Manumanunitoga urged that it is the government’s responsibility to resolve this urgent issue. He also noted concern that teacher trainees have been asked to step into classrooms, calling this practice illegal.
He mentioned the existence of 138 secondary schools in Fiji as per recent ministry data and pointed out that heads of schools frequently contact the association to request teachers. The most pressing need remains for mathematics teachers.