Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad emphasized the vital role of teachers and school leaders in driving real change in education. During the Fiji Principals’ Association 130th conference meeting in Labasa, he highlighted the necessity for the education system to adapt to the rapidly evolving needs of society.
Prasad stated that traditional methods are inadequate for future challenges, noting, “Clunky approaches of the past will not serve us well into the future.” He expressed concern about the potential for many careers that current university students are preparing for to vanish within the next decade due to advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He pointed out that AI might render some subjects obsolete by the time current students graduate and called on school principals to implement necessary reforms and innovations. “We need you at the cutting edge of these developments and ideas to help shape our education system for this new world,” he said, stressing the importance of effective leadership in achieving positive educational outcomes.
Prasad underscored that meaningful change in education cannot occur if school leaders and teachers fail to introduce necessary reforms in classrooms. He also noted that one of the primary objectives of the National Development Plan 2025-2029 is to enhance the quality of education to meet the evolving demands of the labor market.