FTU Urges Job Review to Tackle Teacher Shortage

The Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) general-secretary Muniappa Gounder believes a job evaluation exercise can help resolve the shortage of teachers in Fiji.

FTU general-secretary, Munniapa Gounder during the FTU annual general meeting (AGM) 2025, at the Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Sigatoka, on Tuesday,” he said.

“We are facing an acute shortage of teachers in our country, in both primary and secondary schools. For that reason, the job evaluation exercise is important,” he said.

A job evaluation exercise is going to look at all facets in regard to the education system, from the regrading of schools to class size, student teacher ratio.

“Currently, in urban schools, we have a student teacher ratio of one is to more than 50. Now, just imagine, in a primary school Year One, a teacher looking after 50 students or more than 50. Are we doing justice to this teacher?

“So, that is what we are all saying, we need to get this fixed.”

Mr Gounder said only a job evaluation exercise could solve this matter.

“In the job evaluation exercise, they will have consultants, the right people to look at all other avenues, all other things, to see that they make right decision,” he said.

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro urged all FTU members to continue their partnership as they work to transform the future of the education system.

“To all the teachers present here, your role is pivotal in influencing students’ academic performances,” he said.

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