School Principals suspended for defying TFF policy

Ten secondary school principals in the country have been suspended for failing to follow instructions and charging tuition fees on their students.
The schools are Vanimo Secondary in West Sepik Province, Tokarara, Kilakila, Gerehu, Marianville, Della Salle and Jubilee Catholic secondary schools in Port Moresby, and the Koiari Park Secondary in Central Province.

Education Minister Nick Kuman says schools must understand that the government will continue to pay tuition fees for all school-aged children from Preparatory to Grade 12 including students in vocational centers and FODE.

The Education Department had issued instructions to all schools in the country not to collect fees, or even worse turn students away from enrolling.

He says any form of payment collected by schools without approval from relevant authority is illegal and will not be tolerated.

The Department has already paid K97m to schools last week with an additional K50m to follow soon.

Minister Kuman is urging school principals to use the funds wisely according to the school learning improvement plans.

He also says an independent audit team will be sent to schools in the National Capital District to investigate how the TFF funds are used by the school administration.

NBC News /PNG Today