THE Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) has labelled Education Minister Aseri Radrodro “not fit to lead,” while calling for sweeping changes to reduce political interference in the running of government ministries.
FTA general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga said concerns over leadership in the education sector were compounded by structural issues that allowed ministers to exert influence over senior civil service appointments.
He called for a review of Section 127 under Chapter 6 of the Constitution of Fiji 2013, particularly the requirement for ministerial concurrence in the appointment of permanent secretaries, when he appeared before the Constitution Review Commission this week.
The FTA argues that the provision undermines the independence of the public service and opens the door to political interference, limiting the ability of permanent secretaries to effectively manage their portfolios.
He claimed the Ministry of Education was in disarray, describing the situation as worse than under the previous administration, and said stronger, more qualified leadership was urgently needed.
“The permanent secretaries must have the total freedom to run their ministry and are guided by policies of the Public Service Commission,” Mr Manumanunitoga said.
“The Ministry of Education is in a big mess now, a bigger mess than what it was in the previous regime.”
Alongside constitutional reform, the FTA is calling for a shift in how ministers are appointed, insisting that leadership roles should be aligned with professional expertise.
Mr Manumanunitoga pointed to the legal and health sectors as the foundation for a more effective leadership.
“When you look at the Attorney-General’s Office, they generally put a lawyer. When you look at the health ministry, generally they put a doctor as the minister,”
Mr Manumanunitoga said the education portfolio, in particular, should be led by someone with a background in teaching or academia, arguing that sector knowledge is essential for effective policy direction and implementation.
The association maintains that removing political influence from administrative processes, while appointing technically qualified leaders, would improve accountability and help restore confidence in the education system.
