ABOUT $3million has been misused because of the non-compliance of some secondary schools in Term 3 this year.
Education Ministry finance director Thomas Prasad told the Fiji Principals Association conference in Nadi yesterday that the non-compliance of school heads was affecting students.
“In terms of Cakaudrove $229,000, Eastern — $269,000, Lautoka and Yasawa — $862,000, Macuata and Bua — $84,000, Nadroga and Navosa — $114,000, Nausori — $281,000, Ra — $125,000 and Suva $1million.
“All in all, it’s committing more than $3million, and that is for Term 3 alone as of now.”
“So, the question I pose to the floor is reflecting on those who have been appointed.
“For those who have been appointed, I have requested through you, the directorsecondary, please release the free education grant (FEG) because we have some incompetent heads of schools, and because of you, your children will suffer.
“And why should they (children) be victims of this? “It’s not a joke, and I am here to address all these issues, not pleasing anybody, but to address them straight on when it hurts.
“So, when you call up to the office asking for the FEG, ask yourself if you’ve complied or not.”
Mr Prasad said in some schools, bank reconciliation and audits had not been
done.
“And yet we hear of the FEG not being released. We need to clean up the house first before pointing out the Ministry of Education Headquarters.
“For your information, I have recommended that those heads of schools, these are serious issues because these are compliance issues and these are performance issues that reflect on your leadership.
“Do you have the competence skills to lead an institution and lead the children entrusted to your care?”
