New Ireland has been given the power to manage the Tuition Fee Free Policy in the province.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed with the National Government on Friday (March 16) afternoon.
Education Minister Nick Kuman said New Ireland is the second province, apart from Enga, to be given these functions.
“This is because it has the capacity and prudent management systems to be able to deliver the TFF Policy at the sub-national level,” stated Kuman.
Just like in Enga, New Ireland’s prioritisation in education has led to the signing of the agreement to decentralise the powers and functions of the TFF policy. This means the province will manage and implement the policy by way of facilitating payments to schools, monitoring the implementation and reporting on achievements.
Under this agreement, the payment of grants to schools will be based on the Department of Education formula and fee limits, as approved by the Education board.
“I believe this MOA will help in ensuring the TFF policy is implemented more effectively and with more accountability,” said the Education Minister.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in turn stated: “We appreciate the efforts of the New Ireland Provincial Government who are, in fact, the first province to introduce free education.”
He further applauded the provincial government for its success in increasing the number of students, especially girls, in schools.
Also present at the signing was Governor Sir Julius Chan, Education Secretary Uke Kombra and New Ireland Provincial Administrator, Lamiller Pawut.
(From left: Education Secretary Uke Kombra, Education Minister Nick Kuman, PM Peter O’Neill, NIP Governor Sir Julius Chan and NIP PA Lamiller Pawut)