Government of National Unity’s Education Undersecretary responds to schoolbook shortage complaints: “It hasn’t been a month since school started… The delay is logistical and the media is stirring up public opinion.”
Response to Cities’ Complaints
Ali Al-Abed, the acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education in the Government of National Unity, commented on complaints about the unavailability of schoolbooks nearly a month into the school year, stating that the academic year “hasn’t even been a full month” since its start on September 21. He considered the intense media coverage of the issue to be “stirring up public opinion” rather than a professional handling of the problem.
Distribution, Transport Challenges, and Ongoing Bids
Al-Abed clarified that the operation faces logistical challenges in transporting and distributing the titles, asserting that “shipments are on schedule” and that the books are “printed and being distributed.” He pointed out that the awarding of contracts and bids to companies began as soon as he was appointed, and that “close monitoring over the next month” would show the quantities arriving successively. He also noted that a shipment from Misrata was stopped due to a decision by the Minister of Economy requiring all imports to be processed through letters of credit.
Accusation of Sensationalism and Discussion of Past Years’ Issues
Al-Abed stated that the media coverage is focused on “creating a stir,” urging a focus instead on teacher conditions, infrastructure, and arbitrary appointments. He added that “more than 13 individuals, including department heads and administration directors,” are being held by the Attorney General’s office in connection with schoolbook-related cases from the past two years.
“Letters of Credit,” “Customs,” and Fuel Smuggling… Reasons Beyond the Ministry’s Control
Al-Abed explained that delays by banks in transfers and opening letters of credit are among the causes of the disruption, and that customs procedures are hindering trucks from leaving the ports. He added, “Go to the main warehouses in Tajoura and watch the transport operations.” He also linked the trucks’ distribution capacity to the diesel crisis and fuel smuggling, asking, “Is there diesel to take a truck to the mountains? They are smuggling diesel… How can I transport the books by truck?”
Uneven Distribution and Pending Worker Issues
He pointed out that books have reached Misrata, Zawiya, and areas near the capital due to easier truck movement, noting that warehouse workers “have not received their bonuses and fees” from two years ago, which has impacted the pace of their work.
Teachers, General Reserve, and Decade-Long Salary Claims
Al-Abed stated that some teachers are “staying at home under the pretext of being in the general reserve,” emphasizing that a decision has been issued ordering all education specialists back to schools to receive their schedules. He denied that any teacher “has gone 10 years without being paid,” demanding that names be provided if such genuine complaints exist. He added, “Don’t create a stir in the streets with false information… This isn’t journalism.”