Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has pledged to increase the assistance provided for education in Islamic fields. The minister made the remarks during the ceremony held to mark the signing of an agreement between the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Maldives National University (MNU). The agreement was signed by Minister Dr. Shaheem and MNU's Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz.
During the ceremony, Minister Dr. Shaheem stated that several works and academic programmes are ongoing by the Islamic ministry, in collaboration with MNU. This includes Islamic studies and the programme to train Imams as well. The minister stated that the agreement will facilitate expanding the works pertaining to education, between the ministry and the national university. Reiterating the ministry's commitment to support initiatives related to Islamic education, he revealed plans to increase the assistance provided and scholarship opportunities provided for students seeking education in the Islamic field.
Meanwhile, MNU's Vice Chancellor Dr. Shehenaz stated that the agreement will facilitate the widespread provision of education and conduct research and religious awareness programme, in collaboration with the ministry. The vice chancellor revealed that the primary objective of the agreement is to facilitate higher education opportunities in the Islamic field and conduct research related to the field. She added that organising informational trips to foreign countries, building experts, protecting Islamic morals and values are also objectives of the agreement. Furthermore, Dr. Shehenaz affirmed its unconditional support to organising seminars and forums, aimed at fostering patriotism and the love for Islam and maintaining closeness with Islamic scholars.