Real change in education is driven by teachers and school leaders, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad. Speaking at the Fiji Principals’ Association’s 130th conference in Labasa, he emphasized the need for an education system that is agile, innovative, and able to adapt to the rapidly changing demands of society.
Professor Prasad noted that traditional methods will not suffice in the future, highlighting the fact that many occupations students are currently being prepared for may soon vanish due to advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). He pointed out that some jobs could be replaced by AI even before current students graduate, and that certain subjects taught today may become obsolete in their current form.
He called on school principals to implement necessary reforms and innovations effectively. “Effective leadership at all levels is crucial for achieving better educational outcomes,” he stated. “We need you to be at the forefront of these developments to help shape our education system for this new era.”
Furthermore, he underscored the importance of principals and teachers in enacting reforms within schools and classrooms, as it is vital for fostering positive change. He also mentioned that one of the key priorities of the National Development Plan for 2025-2029 is to enhance the quality of education across all levels to align with the evolving labor market needs.