A total of 372 Year 8 students registered for the 2025 external examination did not sit the exam, raising concerns over student attendance and prompting Education Minister Aseri Radrodro to call for urgent action.
Of the 19,000 students registered, 18,628 sat the examination, with the Ministry of Education now investigating why the remaining students were absent.
Speaking at the 43rd Fiji Head Teachers Association’s annual conference in Nadi yesterday, Mr Radrodro said the recently passed Education Act 2026 strengthened the framework for compulsory education and reinforced the importance of regular attendance.
He urged schools to identify attendance problems early and work with parents and the ministry to address the causes before prolonged absences affected students’ learning.
Student and teacher attendance are among several issues being discussed at the three-day conference, alongside drugs, bullying, health and student safety.
Mr Radrodro urged head teachers to ensure Year 8 students and their parents were aware of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) pathways available from Year 9.
