Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has advocated for the rescheduling of the academic year to the start of the year, citing potential solutions to financial challenges and enhancements in the education system's efficiency.
Speaking at a meeting in Veymandhoo, Thaa Atoll, during President Dr. Muizzu's visit to the atoll, Minister Shafeeu elaborated on the obstacles encountered with the current mid-year commencement of the academic calendar and the advantages and advancements associated with aligning the academic year's start with the beginning of the year.
Additionally, Minister Shafeeu underscored that the mid-year start resulted in a six-month delay for students sitting for secondary and higher secondary examinations compared to their counterparts in other countries. He also highlighted the financial strains imposed by initiating the academic year midway through the year, emphasising the potential benefits and resolution of financial challenges with a January commencement.
Furthermore, Minister Shafeeu disclosed plans to resume classes the following week, aligning with President Dr. Muizzu's directive to reintroduce Dhivehi language, Quran, and Islam teachings to Maldivian students residing abroad. He also emphasised ongoing initiatives to incorporate nationalism into the official curriculum for the upcoming academic year, noting the initiation of a pilot program across 11 schools to introduce nationalism as a seperate subject.
The change in the academic year's commencement date occurred in 2021, following a one-year and six-month delay of the 2020 academic year prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the 2021 academic year began on August 10, with subsequent academic years commencing in August. President Dr. Muizzu has announced that starting from 2026, the academic year will initiate in January.