School heads warned over Back-to-School assistance fraud probe

School heads will be held accountable for all information submitted through Back-to-School application forms, following the discovery of fraudulent cases involving Ministry of Education staff.

Minister for Finance, Esrom Immanuel yesterday revealed that several fraud cases were under investigation, including one where a teacher’s spouse submitted 11 false applications and received $2200.

“We have also uncovered cases where school administrative staff altered or fabricated information in the FEMIS (Fiji Education Management Information System,” he said.

“Such actions deny deserving students their rightful support, and this will not be tolerated.”

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro warned that school heads found tampering with information will be dealt with.

“We’ve had instances in the past where we received complaints that parents have yet to receive the funding, but according to our verification, funds have been given out to the specified numbers and details placed in the form,” he said.

Mr Radrodro said schools refusing to accept forms before the December 12 deadline would also face consequences.

The warnings follow the opening of the 2026 Back-to-School assistance, with $40 million allocated to assist eligible families.

Applications open today and close on December 12.

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