Drug cases in schools rise to 3,143, Parliament told

Drug-related incidents reported in schools reached 3,143 in 2025, up from 3,041 in 2024, raising national concern about student safety.

Assistant Minister for Education Iliesa Vanawalu revealed the figures while speaking in Parliament today, warning the problem had spread to younger students.

“Alarmingly, this issue has now extended to primary schools, with some younger students reportedly being used as runners or mules for drug delivery,” he said.

“The children of Fiji must remain at the centre of everything we do. It is our duty to secure their future and safeguard their health, safety and wellbeing so that one day they look back and acknowledge our legacy just as we honor foresight of our forefathers today.”

He raised concerns against widening rural and social gaps affecting access to quality education across Fiji.

Mr Vanawalu said rural and maritime schools continued to face persistent challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, high operational costs and inconsistent access to services such as transportation, information and communications technology (ICT) and electricity.

“These barriers are widening the rural–urban divide and affecting learning outcomes,” he said.

He also shared the importance of inclusive education, noting that 2296 students were registered with some form of disability in 2025.

“Inclusive education is not simply an approach, it is a commitment to fairness, dignity and the belief that every child has potential.”

He defended technical and vocational education and training (TVET), saying it offered valuable pathways for students.

“TVET is not a fallback. It is a future. It is not a second-class pathway. It is a gateway to success, and above of all, it is a shared responsibility,” he said.

Mr Vanawalu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to teacher recruitment and retention, saying collaboration was key to ensuring every child in Fiji was supported to achieve their full potential.

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