By the end of 2023, over 5,000 more students are expected to complete their education under the government’s “Free First-Degree Programme” and begin contributing to nation-building.
This was announced by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during his presidential address, delivered during the inaugural sitting of the People’s Majlis on Thursday morning.
Highlighting that the economic and social customs followed in the Maldives in the past are different from what is practiced currently, the president stated that a pledge was made to pioneer “revolutionary" changes to them, starting with the decentralized policy.
Since then, untapped development opportunities have been explored and a path has been paved to distribute their benefits throughout the entirety of the nation, said the president, who added that Maldives has migrated into a more environmentally friendly “Jazeera” nation with the beginning of decentralized services and employment opportunities.
Ensuring care and social protection that form the backdrop of dignified families. Eliminating discrimination, and ensuring accessibility to essential services closer to home. Remodeling the State to ensure good governance”Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of Maldives.
Further, he highlighted that the government’s biggest project is to build an innovative new generation, to provide adequate educational opportunities as there is no bigger benefit for the nation than to enhance and develop human resources.
There once was a generation of Maldivians with constant worry on their minds and pleas on their tongues, living and building their lives working at sea and in the forest. Each and every one of them – every mother and father - with the same dream. They made hefty sacrifices to provide a decent education for their children. This is now a thing of the past”Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of Maldives.
This being said, the president noted that the government’s Free First-Degree Programme has been a success and that more than 12,730 have been granted opportunities to enrol in undergraduate studies so far and 2,127 students already having completed their degrees.
The government expects more than 5,000 more students to complete their education under the programme and begin their contributions to nation-building, by the end of 2023.
Further, at least 2,000 more students will graduate and begin serving the nation in the years to follow as well.
President Solih announced that efforts are currently underway to eradicate the practice of education being treated as a commodity that is exclusively available to wealthier families.
As such, the government has successfully facilitated opportunities for all potential students to attain a degree with government funding.
