Solih says higher education is at its most prosperous time

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih speaks at the ceremony to award scholarships. -- Photo: President's Office

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih speaks at the ceremony to award scholarships. -- Photo: President's Office

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that this is the most prosperous time in the country's history for higher education.

On Monday night, Solih spoke at a ceremony to confer awards to the winners of the President's Scholarship and High Achievers' Scholarship.

“If we look at the history of the country’s formal education, this is the most flourishing time with a record number of opportunities,” he stated.

Solih highlighted that the number of higher education scholarships provided by his administration was significantly higher than those offered by previous governments.

Scholarship winners. -- Photo: President's Office
Scholarship winners. -- Photo: President's Office

Scholarship winners. -- Photo: President's Office

He also noted that the administration's free degree program paved the way for students from low-income families to pursue higher education.

“Students from low-income families did not get opportunities for higher education even if they did well in school. Our first target was to eliminate that difference. Today, every single Maldivian student has got the opportunity.”

If we look at the history of the country’s formal education, this is the most flourishing time with a record number of opportunities.

The government has spent MVR 567 million on the free degree scheme with over 17,000 students enrolled, Solih announced.

He also stated that some 418 students were allowed to study abroad with the government spending MVR 528 million for their higher education.

The President's Scholarship and High Achievers' Scholarships were awarded to the top achievers in the 2022 General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level examinations.

This year 155 students, of which 102 were girls, received scholarships.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Maldives Gas to take measures due to import issues

Maldives Gas is temporarily reducing the amount of gas in cylinders due to import challenges and rising global prices. Customers will be charged based on the actual weight at existing rates per kilogram. The government is working on a bulk storage project to provide a permanent solution to these supply issues.

Petition urges parliamentary inquiry into Rasmale' deal

A petition submitted to the People’s Majlis calls for a formal inquiry into the sale of Rasmalé to UAE businessman Mohamed Alabbar. It urges a public debate and legal review to ensure the deal complies with constitutional bans on foreign land ownership. The move seeks transparency regarding the 99-year lease and potential renewal terms.

Protest against Rasmale' deal postponed to November 13

The "National Movement" has postponed its protest against the Rasmalé deal to November 13 to coordinate with the opposition MDP. Former Minister Imran Abdulla stated the delay allows for better preparation as public pressure mounts. The coalition warns that any agreement signed against public will will be annulled without compensation.

MVR 650 million loan issued to MACL for Giraavaru project

The Maldives government issued an unbudgeted MVR 650.7 million loan to MACL to fund the Giraavaru lagoon reclamation project for the "Binveriyaa" housing scheme. This funding shift follows MACL taking over the project, which has faced multiple delays and an expanded reclamation area of 169 hectares despite several missed completion deadlines.

Shahid faces the most serious allegations of sexual offences

Former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a minor while in a position of trust. Police claim the abuse has been ongoing since early 2024, and the victim is now in state care. Shahid has denied the allegations, calling them baseless lies intended to damage his political career.

Majlis rejects no-confidence motion against Saeed

The Maldives Parliament rejected a no-confidence motion against Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed, with 54 members voting in his favor. The opposition MDP filed the motion over alleged failures and broken promises regarding the dollar exchange rate. This marks the third unsuccessful attempt to remove a cabinet minister under the current government.

Saeed defends rising costs of goods and services

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed defended rising costs, claiming the current administration manages the economy better than its predecessors. He highlighted an 80% increase in dollar availability at official rates due to new policy shifts. Saeed attributed high prices to port capacity issues while asserting the nation was saved from insolvency.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox