SUVA, Fiji – The Fiji National University (FNU) proudly acknowledges the contribution of Associate Professor and Acting Director Learning & Teaching Dr Lavinia Tiko to the Fiji Education Commission, where her appointment represents a significant milestone for Early Childhood Development (ECD) and national education reform.
Associate Professor Tiko is the only Fijian Early Childhood Development specialist on the Commission, bringing a depth of expertise that spans early learning through to education systems more broadly. Her presence ensures that Early Childhood Education is strongly represented within national reform discussions and that policy development is informed by evidence across the full education continuum.
Recognised for her systemic, whole-of-education approach, Associate Professor Tiko contributes across curriculum and assessment, policy and practice, and monitoring, evaluation and learning. Her work is grounded in Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems and contextual realities, ensuring that national education reforms are not only globally aligned but also culturally responsive and locally relevant.
“This work is about strengthening the entire education continuum, from early childhood through to lifelong learning, and to inspire inclusive and coherent systems that are grounded in the lived realities of our communities, while confidently empowering learners to thrive in a rapidly changing and interconnected world,” said Associate Professor Dr Lavinia Tiko.
Through her engagement with the Commission, Associate Professor Tiko helps advance reforms that are future-focused and address critical cross-cutting priorities, including climate justice, food security, gender equity and social protection. Her leadership supports education policies that strengthen resilience and promote equitable outcomes for all learners.
The Fiji Education Commission was established by the Government of Fiji as a national advisory body to undertake a comprehensive review of the education system across the continuum, from Early Childhood Education through to tertiary and lifelong learning. The Commission advises Government on systemic reforms to ensure Fiji’s education system is inclusive, cohesive, future-focused and responsive to national development priorities.
In carrying out its mandate, the Commission examines key areas including education policy and legislation, curriculum and assessment, teacher education and professional development, equity and access, governance, and system coherence, with the aim of strengthening quality, relevance and learning outcomes for all learners. Its work is intended to inform long-term national education reform, aligned with both local contextual realities and global education commitments.
Associate Professor Tiko’s contribution to this important national body further reinforces FNU’s standing as a national and regional leader in policy-relevant research, Pacific-centred thought leadership and education reform. Her work reflects FNU’s commitment to supporting resilient, equitable and sustainable futures for Fiji and the wider Pacific.