President Solih: Opening 720 more slots for higher studies from abroad

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced on Thursday that 720 additional slots for students seeking higher studies from abroad will be opened in the coming week.

During the Presidential address to re-open the Parliament for this year, President Solih said that the governments biggest project was to develop a whole new, productive generation.

He stated that the 720 additional slots will be opened on Monday, February 7.

“…(government’s biggest project) opportunities for training and education to be available for people. There is no greater progress for the country than a well developed and progressed human recourses.”

He remarked that as part of this project, opportunities for higher studies have been provided for many students, adding that the result of the government’s free degree programme has been “very sweet”.

“Under this programme 1,272 students have completed their degrees so far. By 2023, over 5,000 students would have completed their degrees for free, and would come out to build the nation.”

Noting that the steps of higher studies are endless, and so for many students who want to go abroad for studies, the government has provided that opportunity as well.

“For over 5,000 students who wanted to seek higher studies from abroad, the government has provided student loans in 2021. The government prioritised those who struggled financially and those with disabilities in this”

In addition to this, President Solih stated that the government was working to develop local professionals for different areas.

“Hence, 124 students have been granted loans to train as doctors. Under the programme to train 1,150 professionals, work will commence from this month to train professionals in ICT and Accounting.”

As part of this, he noted that work was underway to develop TVET Centers, Junior Colleges and Polytechnic in different parts of the country.

“Work to develop Ha.Dhidhoo Junior College and R.Alifushi TVET Center will start this year. Kendhikulhudoo Junior College and Thulhusdhoo Polytechnic have been announced for development.”