Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has publicly rejected claims by the Fiji Teachers Association (FTA) that the Ministry of Education is in a “big mess,” insisting reforms over the past three and a half years have focused on strengthening governance and improving service delivery across the sector. His comments, delivered in response to FTA general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga’s submission to the Constitution Review Commission, mark the latest development in a growing public debate over the state of Fiji’s education system.
Radrodro said his priority since taking office has been to address longstanding gaps and to position the sector for future challenges. “Our focus has been on addressing concerns raised through the Ministry and setting long-term objectives that cater to the fast-evolving global learning environment,” he told reporters, detailing what he described as a programme of reforms aimed at better governance, more effective decision-making and enhanced service delivery.
The minister highlighted nationwide engagement initiatives intended to ensure equitable access to education, particularly for vulnerable communities. “We have worked tirelessly, travelling across the country to deliver opportunities for all our people, including those often overlooked,” Radrodro said, underlining the ministry’s outreach work as central to its reform agenda.
While acknowledging the FTA’s right to air concerns, Radrodro dismissed the association’s criticism of his leadership and the suggestion of regression within the ministry. He said the comments should be viewed in the context of political debate and suggested they may be motivated by political aims. “Those comments must be taken as a joke, perhaps from an aspiring politician,” he said. At the same time, he reiterated a working relationship with teacher representatives, noting, “Mr Manumanunitoga is a colleague, and we have worked closely with union executives in the best interests of teachers and students.”
Radrodro reiterated his commitment to improving teachers’ benefits and working conditions and said he is building a “results-driven team” within the ministry. He defended the need for firm decision-making constrained by fiscal and operational realities, but stressed that reforms can be difficult and are not always immediately welcomed. On accountability, he said the ultimate judgment rests with the public: “If my best is not acceptable, it is up to the voters to decide.”
Out of respect for the constitutional review process, the minister said he would allow the FTA’s submission to be considered by the Commission, expressing confidence the review would reflect the will of the people. The exchange follows growing public scrutiny of government departments during the Constitution Review hearings, where various stakeholders have been invited to outline institutional challenges and proposals for change.
The FTA’s submission to the Commission, in which Manumanunitoga reportedly criticised the ministry’s performance, prompted Radrodro’s response. His rebuttal shifts the public conversation to whether recent reforms have delivered measurable improvements for teachers and students, and sets the scene for further scrutiny as the Constitution Review Commission considers submissions from education stakeholders.