Several school heads in Tajikistan have been dismissed following unannounced visits by Minister of Education and Science Rahim Saidzoda, who discovered major shortcomings in classrooms and management practices.

On September 19, the minister visited schools in Yovon and Roudaki districts without prior notice. According to the ministry, the inspections revealed poor discipline, absenteeism, lack of proper school uniforms, low student knowledge levels, and neglected facilities, the press center of the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) reports.

At School No. 16 in Yovon, where Munira Mirzozoda had served as director for more than 11 years, the minister reportedly found:

• Half of students absent from lessons,
• Eighth- and ninth-grade pupils studying together in a single classroom, violating standards,
• Only 3 out of 21 computers functioning in the computer lab,
• Students unable to answer basic questions in Russian and English or explain simple IT concepts.

Though officials claimed the shortcomings were “addressed” immediately, Mirzozoda was dismissed the next day for “irresponsible performance of duties.”

A visit to School No. 14 in Roudaki district uncovered further problems: the director was absent during working hours, classrooms required urgent repairs, the transition to a 10-point grading system was incomplete, and the school was unprepared for the autumn-winter season.  The ministry also cited lack of CCTV cameras, poor sanitation, and weak foreign language knowledge among students.

The attached kindergarten fared no better — its director was missing, teachers were described as unprofessional, and children’s dormitories were in “unsatisfactory sanitary condition.”  On September 22, the ministry announced the dismissal of Amriddin Rahmonov, the school’s director, and Zarragul Fayzova, the kindergarten head.

This is not the first time Minister Saidzoda has carried out surprise inspections.  Earlier visits to schools in Hisor and preschools in Dushanbe revealed similar issues, ranging from poor facilities to low-quality teaching and lack of discipline.

The Education Ministry itself has long acknowledged systemic challenges: a shortage of schools, teachers, classrooms, and learning materials, alongside frequent parental complaints about informal fees for repairs and the low quality of education.