Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his concerns regarding the no-repeat policy in education, which allows students to progress to the next grade regardless of their examination results. He emphasized that this policy could undermine the academic success of future generations, leading to wasted resources for both the government and parents.
During a recent engagement with students at his residence on Christmas Eve, Mr. Rabuka highlighted the implications of the no-repeat policy. He stated, “If we leave education (of our children) to depend solely on exam results while we have Government’s no-repeat policy where you pass or fail, you still advance, then parents and Government are wasting so much money.” His concern lies in the potential long-term effects on students’ performance as they continue to advance without a solid educational foundation.
Additionally, the Prime Minister pointed out issues surrounding the qualifications of teachers, suggesting that even if they are certified, it remains unclear whether they have been adequately trained to teach effectively. This raises further questions about the quality of education being provided to students.
Mr. Rabuka’s call for an evaluation of the no-repeat policy aligns with broader concerns from academics and educational experts, who have linked it to the low pass rates observed in external exams. Earlier this month, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro announced plans to draft a Cabinet paper aimed at abolishing this policy. This comes after a notably low 69 percent pass rate among students taking the Foundation Education Yearly Examination (FEYE), where 19,396 students participated, resulting in approximately 13,383 passes and 6,012 failures.
Overall, the Prime Minister’s advocacy for educational reform reflects a commitment to improving academic outcomes and ensuring that future generations are well-prepared for their educational journeys. This proactive stance by the government could pave the way for significant improvements in the education system, fostering an environment where students are not just advanced through the grades but are also equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success.
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