Ministry claims fall flat as atoll schools start term without full textbook supply
Schools in outlying atolls report incomplete textbook deliveries as the academic year begins, with some shipments arriving only on opening day, contradicting earlier ministry assurances that distribution was completed. Over 1,500 students have transferred from island schools to Male City seeking better educational opportunities. The ministry reports 77,000 students enrolled across 218 government schools with 10,500 teachers this year.
President Muizzu attends the opening ceremony of Shaheed Ali School in Hulhumalé Phase II - 27 January 2026. | President's Office
Several schools across outlying atolls have not received a full set of textbooks as the new academic year begins, raising concerns over preparedness despite official assurances.
School officials who spoke to RaajjeMV reported that textbooks for certain grades remain unavailable, with some shipments arriving only on the first day of school.
The shortages persist despite earlier assurances from Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu, who stated that all necessary preparations at both ministerial and school levels had been completed. The minister had said the environment was fully prepared to ensure that students would face no challenges in their learning.
In addition to this, the Ministry of Education had previously announced that preparations for the new academic year had begun well in advance, specifically claiming that the distribution of textbooks to all government schools had been completed before classes commenced.
According to the ministry, more than 77,000 students are enrolled in 218 government schools for the current academic year.
Amid ongoing concerns about the quality of education in the atolls, 1,530 students have transferred from island schools to the capital, Malé City this year in search of better educational opportunities.
The ministry also stated that 10,500 teachers will be active in government schools this year, including 8,000 local teachers and 2,500 expatriate teachers.
