A PROPOSED fee-free education for Solomon Islands students has raised concern among opposition politicians who have advised a cautionary approach.
Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare has warned that any fee-free education policy must be matched by serious investment in school quality, teacher support, infrastructure, and implementation capacity.
“It is one thing to promise free education. It is another thing to deliver quality education,” he told InDepth Solomons.
“If classrooms become overcrowded, teachers are overstretched, grants are delayed, and learning materials are inadequate, then families will quickly discover that the removal of fees alone is not enough.”
Sogavare – a former prime minister – has also held the finance portfolio in previous governments.
His comment s came after Prime Minister Mathew Wale promised fee-free education just weeks after his election.
Solomon Islands spends around $USD345million on education – the largest portion of the $USD622 million in 2025.
Sogavare said a rushed approach could leave Solomon Islands with larger enrolments but weaker outcomes.
Figures show that 16,000 children enter the Solomons education system each year.
Sogavare asked whether the system was ready to absorb increased numbers without compromising quality.
He called on the government, families, and school owners to work together as partners to strengthen the education system.
“It is one thing to promise free education. It is another thing to deliver quality education,” he said.
“If classrooms become overcrowded, teachers are overstretched, grants are delayed, and learning materials are inadequate, then families will quickly discover that the removal of fees alone is not enough.”
Source: InDepth Solomons
