Radrodro defends integrity of National Exams amid cheating concerns

Concerns over the integrity and fairness of Fiji’s national exams sparked a lively debate in Parliament, as Opposition MPs pressed the Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro to explain what measures are in place to prevent cheating and ensure equitable exam conditions across the country.

Opposition MP Hem Chand questioned the Ministry’s administrative measures to ensure external exams are conducted fairly.

In response, Radrodro says procedures governing the administration of exams are clearly outlined in the Ministry’s policies on exams and assessments.

However, Chand argued that while the policies may be accessible to Ministry officials, the general public remains unaware of them.

In reply, Mr Radrodro dismissed the claims, suggesting that the allegations of cheating dated back to the Opposition Member’s own tenure in the Ministry.

Further questions came from Opposition MP Vijay Nath, who sought clarification on what support the Ministry provides to schools in rural and maritime areas to ensure that all students sit their exams under equal conditions.

Radrodro replied saying that the examin procedures are standardised nationwide, with supervisors and examination papers dispatched according to strict rules.

He says the ministry has rules for candidates, examiners, and the security and confidentiality of papers.