Centralization on display as minister praises atoll students filling Malé region
Despite the Constitution mandating governance through a decentralized system, the government continues to facilitate the centralization of the population in the Greater Malé Region through various means.
President Muizzu and Education Minister Ismail Shafeeu attend the opening ceremony of Shaheed Ali School in Hulhumalé Phase II - 27 January 2026 | President's Office
Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has highlighted with pride that 77 percent of the students enrolled at the newly inaugurated Shaheed Ali School in Hulhumalé represent several atolls across the Maldives.
Speaking enthusiastically at the ceremony held to open the school on the first day of the new academic year, the minister stated that more than 2,000 students have already enrolled, noting that 77 percent of them originate from islands in outlying atolls.
He explained that by the end of the previous day, enrollment had reached close to 2,100 students, and emphasized that although the school is established in the Malé region, specifically in Hulhumalé Phase II, it represents and includes all islands of the Maldives due to the large proportion of students coming from outlying atolls.
Despite the Constitution mandating governance through a decentralized system, the government continues to facilitate the centralization of the population in the Greater Malé Region through various means.
Parents have stressed that families are relocating from the islands to the congested capital along with their children due to the absence of higher grades, a shortage of qualified teachers, and insufficient resources in their home islands. It has also been revealed that in some islands, even basic preschool services, which form the foundation of education, are unavailable.
While the Education Minister stated that Shaheed Ali School was completed and opened within a period of two years, island councils continue to point out that multiple school-related projects in the atolls have remained unfinished for many years.
The minister further emphasized that the figure of 77 percent of students originating from the atolls is “significant”.
The newly opened school includes 54 air-conditioned classrooms, a multi-purpose hall, and various modern facilities. The government states that the opening of this school will significantly expand and enhance educational opportunities for residents of Hulhumalé.
