The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), Aeau Christopher Hazelman, has reapplied for his position as his three-year contract nears its end.

The Samoa Observer confirmed Aeau’s reapplication through his secretary during a visit to the ministry’s office in Malifa this week.

The CEO role, which is being advertised by the Public Service Commission (PSC), states that applications for the position close on 19 November 2025.

In a written response to questions from the Samoa Observer, PSC Secretary Kolone Teri said the Commission could not disclose information about applicants due to confidentiality requirements. He also declined to provide details about the number of applicants or further information regarding Aeau’s candidacy.

“We cannot share any information on the applicants to protect the interests of the candidates and the credibility of our recruitment process,” Teri said.

Aeau was appointed as CEO of the then–Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MESC) in November 2022. His appointment followed years of service in the public and education sectors.

A veteran educator with more than three decades of experience, Aeau began his teaching career at the Catholic Senior School (formerly the Combined School) in Moamoa in 1993. He later served as Director of Catholic Education in Samoa from 2003 to 2016, after holding positions as Vice Principal and later Principal of the Catholic Senior College.

From 2014 to 2021, Aeau also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council of the National University of Samoa (NUS).

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Sociology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, both from the University of the South Pacific (USP). Aeau was also featured in the Samoa Observer’s People of the Year list in 2023.

Email attempts to obtain a comment from Aeau were unsuccessful as of Monday.