By GEORGINA MICHAEL
THE National Department of Education (NDoE) has officially transferred education functions to the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), marking the end of a decade of negotiations.
The milestone follows approval from the Department of Personnel Management in June 2026. The transition is aimed at improving the delivery and management of education services in the city, in line with the Government’s vision for a sustainable urban environment.
Minister for Education Hon. Francis Kikin Siune has announced the formal transfer of functions and powers from NDoE to NCDC.
“NCDC will now manage all basic education services including primary and secondary schools in the city. The transfer aims to create a more uniform model and allows for localised management of resources,” Mr. Siune said.
He said the next few months will serve as a transition period to develop local policies for NCDC education, which must align with national laws.
Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra said the department has transferred management of the general education sector to NCDC, but will retain oversight of standards, curriculum, examinations and teacher registration.
“This historic transition involves 92 schools comprising elementary, primary and vocational institutions serving up to 107,000 students with 2,780 teachers,” Dr. Kombra said.
NCDC will now have direct control over local policy and operational efficiency.
Deputy Secretary Policy from DPM, Mr. Ellison Kalimet said the transfer follows a 2022 directive.
“Implementation approval was finalised on 29th June 2026 for the transition of human resources and funding.”
NCDC City Manager Mr. Ravu Frank said NCDC is committed to prioritising quality education through increased funding for infrastructure and school resources.
“The ultimate goal is to improve education services for children and future generations in the capital city,” Mr. Frank said.
NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop welcomed the move and said NCDC is ready to take full responsibility for delivering quality education from elementary to secondary level.
“Our primary goal is to transform teaching and learning standards through improved service delivery,” Governor Parkop said.
He urged school principals, boards of management, parents and agency schools to collaborate in the reform process.