Maldives National University (MNU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a fisheries education and training college.
The MoU was signed by Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam and Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam. Establishing a special college for the development of the fisheries industry is included in President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's roadmap for the first 14 weeks in office.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shiyam said President Muizzu attaches great importance to the development of the fisheries industry as it plays an important role in the economy of the Maldives. He said the administration has given high priority to providing education and training opportunities in fisheries in accordance with the Fisheries Act.
Additionally, Minister Shiyam said the mandate of the fisheries ministry has changed with the new administration. As such, he said the ministry is not only an institution tasked with regulating the industry and supervising fisheries activities but will also now explore more opportunities to increase benefits the fisheries industry can bring to the economy. He added that the college will support the government's efforts in this regard.
Also at the ceremony, MNU Chancellor Dr. Mahmood Shaugi said the university has a 50-year history of providing education and training opportunities in various fields, except for the fisheries industry. As such, he said the university has taken an important step by agreeing to establish the fisheries college.
The ministry stated that students will be able to pursue a PhD at the college. Foreign students will also be able to pursue an education in fisheries at the college.