President inaugurates permanent higher education scholarship scheme

President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has inaugurated a permanent higher education scholarship scheme, and presented certificates for students who won scholarships for higher education under the Zakat Fund.

The Ministry of Education announced at the ceremony held at Islamic Centre last night, that scholarships had been given to 440 students under the Zakat Fund.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President noted that the provision of such a large number of scholarships from the Zakat Fund is a great development for higher education, and expressed his gratitude for all those involved in making this possible.

President Waheed expressed happiness over this opportunity given to students to complete their tertiary education studies under the Zakat Fund.

The President said that no investment is more important for the country, than the investment in education.

He referred to a study conducted by the World Bank and said that only six percent of school leavers of Maldives go for tertiary education, which is similar to the rate in least developed African countries.

He said that despite the Maldives having been promoted from the list of least developed countries to the list of developing countries, the level of tertiary education in the Maldives is extremely low.

The President informed that the scheme inaugurated last night was the result of the establishment last year of a financial policy for tertiary education, through foreign aid.

He said that the purpose of this program is to lighten the financial burden of education on parents.

President Waheed stressed the importance of increasing the number of students who obtain tertiary education in the Maldives, as the future of the country depends on educated, competent individuals.

He said that a master plan in this regard is being developed in collaboration with the World Bank, and noted that such a plan must describe the country’s vision for the future, and also increase the opportunities for tertiary education and jobs.