The government is to offer student loans to all qualified applicants who have submitted their loan applications.

This was announced by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Wednesday.

He made the announcement while speaking at the 'Top Achievers' Award 2021-2022' ceremony held at Dharubaaruge on Wednesday evening.

Taking the podium at the event, the Maldivian leader shed light on the important advancements made throughout 2023 in the administration's loan allocation process for individuals seeking to pursue higher education programmes within the Maldives as well as abroad.

The Solih administration highly prioritizes providing higher education opportunities in its efforts to enhance the development of responsible and productive citizens and youth for the betterment of society.

In his speech the president noted that a total of 1,225 students meet the eligibility criteria for the loans and that his administration aims to offer loans to all of them.

He further highlighted that in the event an eligible student is unable to secure a student loan, the administration would investigate the situation and take measures to ensure that students can attain benefits of the student loan programmme.

Adding that the Ministry of Higher Education would issue additional details about the student loan initiative soon, President Solih shed light on the administration's commitment to provide opportunities for youth communities nationwide to develop their skills as well as to recognize their vital role in enhancing national development, President Solih stated that his administration's initiatives will empower youth to contribute to the growth of communities and the overall progress of the nation, by equipping them with vital abilities.

Further, he stated that the National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) has provided such opportunities to 665 youth.

Wednesday’s ceremony saw the president acknowledging the remarkable achievements of students who completed their higher secondary examinations.

He congratulated the students for their success, despite the challenges that came to surface with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Shedding light on their accomplishments that act as a beacon of hope for the country's future, the president noted that the administration remains committed to provide many other higher education opportunities to support the educational aspirations of students further.

First Lady Fazna Ahmed and Vice President Faisal Naseem were also in attendance at Wednesday’s ceremony.

The ceremony saw President Solih conferring awards to students who secured first place in the higher secondary examinations.

First Lady Fazna presented awards to students who secured second place.

Top achievers in their respective subject categories were recognized by VP Naseem, who praised their outstanding placements from second to tenth globally.

445 students out of the 2,849 who participated in the higher secondary examinations in 2022, attained positions in the national top 10 rankings.

20 among these students achieved top 10 rankings globally across different subject categories, with six students having secured first place in the world rankings.