Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad emphasized the vital role of teachers and school leaders in driving real change within schools and classrooms. During the 130th conference of the Fiji Principals’ Association in Labasa on Wednesday, Prasad highlighted the necessity for the education system to adapt and remain flexible in response to the rapidly evolving demands of society.
“We cannot rely on outdated methods in the future,” he stated, acknowledging that many current university training programs may soon become obsolete, potentially replaced by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). He cautioned that some job roles could be taken over by AI even before today’s students graduate.
Prasad urged school principals to embrace reforms and innovations, stressing that effective leadership is crucial to transferring vision and achieving improved educational outcomes. He called for strong leadership to drive necessary changes and ensure that reforms are effectively integrated into schools and classrooms.
He also pointed out that one of the primary goals of the National Development Plan 2025-2029 is to enhance the quality of education across all levels to align with the evolving labor market needs.