The AFP news agency said Rijasoa Andriamanana explained that she was ordering the sweets for the children to take it after they drink the “bitter” COVID-Organics concoction.
COVID-Organics is a plant-based drink promoted by the government as a cure for COVID-19.
Each student in the country was expected to get three sweets after drinking the COVID-Organics.
The minister halted her plans after President Andry Rajoelina objected.
She was accused of planning to embezzle funds in her ministry.
A statement announcing the minister’s dismissal said her counterpart in the higher education ministry, Elia Béatrice Assoumacou, would act for now.