Minister of Education Hon. Tozen Leokana outlined the basis of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Budget 2026, key achievements, and priorities for 2026.
He highlighted this in his contribution to the second reading of the Appropriation Bill 2026 on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, at the National Parliament.
Of the total appropriation of $5.6 billion of the National Budget, the MEHRD’s allocated Recurrent Budget for 2026 is $1.32 billion, Development Budget accounts for $87.7 million, while the Donor budget support is $72.7 million, bringing the total MEHRD allocation to $2.89 million.
Minister Leokana said the substantial investment of $2.89 billion in Education is a reflection of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) unwavering commitment to strengthening human capital, expanding learning opportunities, and ensuring that no child is left behind.
He informed Parliament that MEHRD is well guided by a clear strategic direction and operates under well-defined long-term strategic frameworks, the Education Sector Framework (ESF) 2016-2030 and National Education Action Plan (NEAP) 2027-2031, which provide coherence, stability, and purpose to the ongoing transformation of our nation’s education system.
He also emphasizes important accomplishments recorded in the 2025 budget, including a new teacher classification and salary structure.
This addresses teacher pay concerns and results in a beneficial settlement for teachers through discussions between the government, MEHRD, and SINTA.
Among other achievements are development of 45 textbook resources, construction of 23 school infrastructures to be completed by 2026, 10 Senior Secondary School Education Improvement Projects funded by ADB, 2,682 National Scholarships in-country and abroad, and a new tuition scholarship model to be introduced in 2026.
The key priorities for 2026 include a secured budget of $129 million for settling teachers’ back pay, in line with SINTA agreements. ECE and TVET teachers will receive payments under the new salary structure. by early 2026, the Teacher Housing and Annual Leave Policy, Teacher Professional Development, and implementation of the Education Act 2023.
Minister Leokana fully supports the Appropriation Bill 2026 as responsible and aligned with the national interest of the country.
– MEHRD
