Fiji’s Year Eight Examination results have raised concerns as national pass rates have not exceeded 69 percent since 2018, according to Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro. During a recent parliamentary session, he emphasized this worrying trend while presenting data from the last six years.
The peak pass rate, recorded at 69 percent, occurred in both 2019 and 2024, with the lowest recorded in 2022 at 62 percent. From the available data, student enrollment numbers have increased over the years, with 16,954 students in 2018 and 19,554 in 2023. The pass rate has fluctuated, achieving rates of 59 percent in 2018, 69 percent in 2019, 62 percent in 2022, 67 percent in 2023, and returning to 69 percent in 2024.
Minister Radrodro also pointed out disparities between pass rates in rural and urban schools, identifying a consistent trend of poorer performance in rural areas. For example, in 2024, rural schools recorded a 66 percent pass rate compared to 71 percent for urban schools.
This data highlights the ongoing challenges in the education sector, particularly in rural areas. However, the recent increase in enrollment and stabilization of the pass rate at 69 percent in both 2019 and 2024 shows potential for improvement. With continuous focus and targeted interventions, there is hope that these numbers can further rise, enhancing learning outcomes for all students across Fiji.
In summary, while the current data reveals challenges in student performance, especially in rural areas, the upward trends in enrollment and consistent pass rates suggest a foundation for building a brighter educational future.
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