President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that students are the fruits of the nation. He made the statement at the awarding ceremony of the President’s Award and High Achievers Scholarship for GCE A-level high achievers in the year 2021.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Solih congratulated the winners of the scholarships, noting that all of the six top achievers were female students. The president also noted that the government’s aim is to provide as many opportunities for students to obtain an education and maximise their potential. He acknowledged the accomplishments of previous recipients of the president’s scholarships and noted that many of the former students had chosen a career in medicine. He expressed support for their wisdom in choosing a path that would benefit the nation in the long run.
Furthermore, President Solih discussed education and skill development prospects and emphasised the increase in training programmes provided by the government. He said that efforts to establish technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centres and junior colleges are underway on two islands and that similar facilities will be established on more islands soon.
Additionally, President Solih highlighted the initiative to provide affordable education and said that 14,711 students have enrolled in the government's free degree programme so far and that 4,696 students had graduated from the programme. The president underscored the importance of ensuring equitable access to education and noted the technological advancements and innovative solutions initiated by the government such as satellite schooling to cater to students in all islands, regardless of size or population. He also noted the initiation of secondary education on seven islands, as well as the introduction of higher secondary education on three more islands.
Speaking to the students in attendance, President Solih said that they were about to enter a dynamic world with different cultures and societal norms. He advised the students to be wary of negative and undue influences that could sway them away from their true objectives. He urged students to remain true to their own identities, heritage, culture and most importantly, the Islamic faith that will guide them to the righteous path.