DR UKE KOMBA WELCOMES TRANSFER OF EDUCATION FUNCTIONS TO BOUGAINVILLE

The Department of Education has officially transferred two major administrative functions to the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), marking a significant milestone in the implementation of Bougainville's autonomy arrangements.

The functions transferred are:

• School Registration and Compliance – granting the ABG authority to oversee the registration, monitoring, and compliance of schools operating within Bougainville.

• Tuition Fee Funding – enabling the ABG to manage and administer tuition fee funding for schools across the region.

Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra said the transfer demonstrates the National Government's commitment to empowering Bougainville through the progressive transfer of powers and functions as provided for under the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the Constitution.

Dr Kombra said the move will strengthen local decision-making, improve education governance, and ensure education services are delivered more effectively to meet the needs of students, teachers, and communities in Bougainville.

He added that the Department of Education will continue to work closely with the Autonomous Bougainville Government to ensure a smooth transition and the successful implementation of the transferred functions.

The transfer is another important step in advancing Bougainville's autonomy while maintaining strong cooperation between the National Government and the ABG in the education sector.