Discussions held with Waikato University on PhD opportunities for govt. funded students

Dr. Shehenaz Adam, Vice Chancellor of Maldives National University (MNU), has held talks with senior officials from the University of Waikato, New Zealand, about PhD opportunities for Maldivian students funded by the government.

MNU said the meeting was held during an unofficial trip undertaken by Shehenaz. Shehenaz, an alumnus of University of Waikato, undertook the visit at the invitation institution. She is scheduled to hold several key meetings during the visit, added MNU.

MNU reported that one of the meetings, which was attended by senior leadership from the University of Waikato, including Vice Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley and Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Alister Jones, centered on exploring potential collaborations and academic partnerships between MNU and the University of Waikato.

In this regard, MNU detailed that discussions were held on facilitating PhD opportunities for MNU staff and other Maldivians studying with government-funded loans at more affordable rates, as well as on capacity building in key areas for the nation and the development of curriculum.

Besides this, exchange programs for students and lecturers and conducting joint research were also discussed.

MNU noted that an MoU would soon be executed between the two universities to proceed with the activities as discussed.

Apart from this, MNU said discussions were also held on the facilitation of supervisors for PhD programs conducted by MNU by the University of Waikato. 

MNU highlighted that the meeting would lay the foundation for stronger ties between the two institutions and contribute to the further development of the Maldivian education sector. Additionally, MNU expressed optimism that the discussions would open up new opportunities for both the university's students and lecturers.