Minister: Academic calendar changed without teachers or parents’ consent

The former administration implemented changes to the academic calendar against the wishes of 70 percent of the 30,000 people whose opinion was sought ahead of the change, says Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu.

The MDP administration had changed the beginning of the academic year to mid-year, citing that December is the peak tourism season, making it hard for parents who work in resorts to spend the holidays with their children. But the PPM-PNC administration has decided to roll back the change.

Shafeeu, who was summoned to the Parliament on Tuesday, was asked by West Henveiru MP Hassan Latheef regarding the decision.

Shafeeu said that the new administration made numerous considerations before making a decision. He added that records show the former administration sought the opinion of 30,000 individuals before making the change.

But the former administration made the decision against the opinion of 70 percent of these 30,000 people, he said.

Shafeeu said it hadn’t been what the students or parents wanted.

“The people do not want the academic calendar to be altered. The teachers do not want it. And, according to the information collected from students, neither do they,” he said.

Shafeeu added that following the decision to revert back to the January academic new year, arrangements have been made to restore the six months of education students lost during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also said that a clash in the academic year and the financial year would also present its own challenges.

The new administration has decided to revert back to the January academic new year starting 2026 – a change which was one of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s electoral pledges.

The biggest point of concern regarding the school holidays falling in mid-year had been the rainy weather usually associated with June and July, hindering travel.