Education Minister, Nick Kuman has tasked all Provincial Governors to ensure that their Provincial Education boards execute the National Government’s Tuition Fee Free Policy.
Kuman’s directive come after Morobe Governor, Kelly Naru asked Minister Kuman on the effectiveness of TFF implementation at the Provincial Level.
The question on who will pay the school fees of students attending government schools, has again surfaced in parliament, this morning.
Morobe Governor, Kelly Naru raised this concern after there were instances of schools refusing to accept students, who did not pay their fees, and the withholding of certificates because of outstanding fees.
In response, Education Minister, Nick Kuman told parliament that those schools that are refusing to accept students, because of school fee related issues, must stop because the national government’s Tuition Free Fee Policy is in effect.
Kuman explained that provinces that are using the Education Act, are still subjected to the National Government’s Act.
By this, Kuman means that schools, which are recipients of TFF should not charge fees on students.
A supplementary question raised by Goroka MP, Bire Kimisopa, highlighted concerns on the operational costs of running schools in provincial towns and rural areas.
Kimisopa asked minister Kuman, to tell parliament how the government is planning to address operational costs that may be higher than the TFF funding given by the government.
Kuman then announced that the national government will be releasing TFF Funds come next Monday.
Thus, schools should not send students away because of school-fee-payment related issues.
