Fiji’s Education Act 1966 is set for its first major overhaul in decades, with a comprehensive review to modernise the outdated 59-year-old law that no longer reflects the country’s modern education needs.
The sweeping review, backed by the Global Partnership for Education and UNICEF, is being led by the Education Review Committee and comes amid mounting calls to drag the colonial-era law into the 21st century.
The Policy Issues Paper, released in May, outlines a staggering 119 issues raised by stakeholders, from archaic language and outdated definitions to a lack of oversight in school governance, poor infrastructure standards, and systemic teacher shortages.
“This review is not just overdue – it’s critical,” said commissioner Rokobua Naiyaga, who heads the review panel.
“We’re working to build an education system that is inclusive, modern, and responsive to the needs of every Fijian learner.”
Key proposals under consideration include:
- Rebranding the law as the Education Sector Act to reflect a broader and more inclusive vision;
- Overhauling curriculum content to include mental health, climate education, digital literacy, and career guidance;
- Legal recognition for homeschooling, faith-based education, and adult learning; and,
- The formal inclusion of tertiary institutions and technical training providers under the Act’s governance.
- The committee has also flagged serious gaps in emergency preparedness, disaster recovery, and support for at-risk and incarcerated youth.
“Education access and safety must be guaranteed, even in crisis.”
Workshops held earlier this year revealed wide public support for clear definitions of school roles, independent complaints bodies, greater parental involvement, and new frameworks for funding
transparency.
Among the more contentious proposals is a possible return of school levies and the push for government-mandated funding allocations to public universities like USP and FNU – a move the Ministry of Finance says must be balanced against fiscal sustainability.
The ministry is now calling for public input through a national survey, with plans to table draft legislation before the end of 2025.
