Leadership dispute involving three principals at Nausori school

A secondary school in Nau­sori has been thrown into chaos as three principals clash over leadership.

The school management has also threatened to close the school for one to two weeks unless their preferred candidate is appointed prin­cipal.

Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) general secretary Paula Manuma­nuitoga confirmed the standoff involves the current principal, a temporary reliever, and a Ministry of Education officer sent this week to lead term one.

"This situation reflects weak lead­ership and poor decision-making by the ministry," Mr Manumanuitoga said.

"The school management has even visited my office to demand a spe­cific person be made principal."

He warned the dispute is already affecting students and urged the Ministry of Education and school management to resolve the matter urgently and peacefully.

Mr Manumanuitoga clarified that the FTA can only advise; the final decision rests with the Minister, Aseri Radrodro.

When this masthead visited the school yesterday, all three princi­pals were present.

The Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) general secretary, Muniappa Goundar, said he was unaware of the issue but declined to comment further. The ministry has remained si­lent, including on delays in teacher transfers.

Multiple attempts to get comments from Mr Radrodro and his perma­nent secretary, Navin Raaj, were unsuccessful.