The Division of Human Resources is pleased to announce the appointment of Associate Professor Dr Lavinia Tiko as Acting Dean of the College of Humanities, Education and Law (CHEL), effective from 15 June 2026 until Professor Mesake Dakuidreketi resumes his duties.

Associate Professor Dr Lavinia Tiko is an accomplished academic, researcher and educational leader with more than two decades of experience in teaching, research, curriculum development and higher education leadership. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education from the University of New England, Australia; a Master of Education from the University of London's Institute of Education (now part of University College London); a Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership from the University of Waikato, New Zealand; and a Bachelor of Education (Professional Studies) from the University of Waikato.

Currently serving as Acting Dean of CHEL, Associate Professor Dr Tiko has made significant contributions to teacher education, early childhood development, educational policy, curriculum innovation and academic leadership across Fiji and the Pacific region. Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems, culturally responsive pedagogy, and the advancement of equitable and sustainable educational practices that support lifelong learning and community development.

Associate Professor Dr Tiko has also collaborated extensively with international universities, development partners, government agencies and regional organisations across the Pacific, contributing to collaborative research, policy development, teacher education initiatives and capacity-building programmes. Her engagements with global and regional education networks have strengthened partnerships that advance quality education, Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems, and sustainable development at the national, regional and international levels.

The University looks forward to Associate Professor Dr Tiko's continued leadership in advancing academic excellence, research, innovation and community engagement within the College of Humanities, Education and Law.