FIJI Head Teachers Association president Johnson Rura is calling for Government to ensure Education Ministry officers are qualified and experienced in the important sector.
While calling on the ministry for changes within the education system, Mr Rura raised concerns about certain appointments.
“We cannot afford square pegs in round holes,” said Mr Rura. “The ministry must implement robust recruiting systems to ensure qualified, experienced officers are deployed where they can serve most effectively.
“A compromised system at the top weakens the entire foundation below.”
He says when key leadership roles within the ministry shifted without care or clarity, it shakes the very foundation they were trying to build in schools.
“These aren’t just staffing decisions, they’re decisions that have rippling effects across classrooms, affecting teachers, students and the future of education in this country. But let’s be honest, qualifications alone don’t guarantee quality. What we need now are not just people with papers, but people with purpose.”
Mr Rura said there was a need for mentors over managers.
“Now more than ever, we need people who don’t just know the system, but believe in its purpose.
“People who understand that knowing when to lead is just as important as knowing what to do and where to go. Credentials count but character, conviction and contribution must count even more.”