The recent decline in male student enrollment in Fiji’s primary and secondary schools has raised significant concerns among educational authorities. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro highlighted this troubling trend at the 2025 Education Forum held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, where he noted a consistent drop in the transition of boys from primary to secondary school over the past five years.
Minister Radrodro described the decline as a “pressing issue requiring national attention” and emphasized the need for open discussions among various stakeholders to identify the reasons behind the dropout trend. He questioned the future pathways for male primary school students and stated that despite government support, which includes free education grants, transport subsidies, and free textbooks, these measures have not sufficiently addressed the issue.
The concerns about male dropout rates echo previously reported statistics indicating alarming figures from 2019 to 2023. Over this period, 5,726 students did not complete Year 10, with other reports suggesting that many boys are losing interest in education and may turn to informal employment or other disruptive behaviors. The Education Forum was convened to collaboratively explore the barriers affecting male student retention and to develop targeted interventions.
Minister Radrodro mentioned that the education ministry plans to conduct further analysis of the enrollment data to identify specific hinderances and to seek effective solutions. This approach is similar to earlier appeals made by education leaders and the Fiji Teachers Union, which highlighted the importance of engaging students in more practical and skill-based education to keep them interested in continuing their studies.
Moving forward, solutions could include exploring the introduction of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs at lower secondary levels, as suggested by education advocates. By focusing on a flexible educational framework that matches students’ interests and potential career paths, there is hope for reversing these worrying trends and encouraging more boys to stay in school and succeed academically.
As Fiji faces these educational challenges, the collective commitment from families, communities, and the government will be crucial in fostering an environment where every child, regardless of gender, can thrive in their educational pursuits. Through collaboration and a renewed focus on engaging young boys in education, the future prospects for Fiji’s youth may become brighter.
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