The Department of Education has officially transferred two major administrative functions to the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG); School Registration and Compliance as well as Tuition Fee Funding.

Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra announced the transfer during the opening of the 35th Senior Education Officers Conference at Hutjena Secondary School in Buka on Monday, July 13.

Under the new arrangement, the ABG will be responsible for auditing school standards, identifying prospective schools and approving new registrations in consultation with the Teaching Services Commission.

The Bougainville Department of Education will also directly manage tuition fee payments to schools, replacing the previous national-level payment system as confirmed by Secretary Kombra.

“From this day onwards, the Bougainville Department of Education will now directly manage the tuition fees that will come to schools in Bougainville.”

The transfer follows the Wabag Joint Statement, which provides for the gradual devolution of national government powers to Bougainville.

Dr Kombra stressed that while Bougainville continues its political journey, education must remain focused on providing quality learning opportunities for children.

He also outlined national education reforms, including the PNG Education Transformation Vision (PNGETV) 2075 and the 1-6-6 school structure, aimed at reducing student dropouts and ensuring children progress from Prep through Grade 12.

The National Government is also supporting education infrastructure development through a K2 billion investment over 10 years.