Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has stated that the increasing number of students seeking higher secondary education, will play a pivotal role in founding a generation which will significantly contribute to the national productivity and development.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the seventh International Teachers Conference, Minister Dr. Shafeeu emphasised the government's ongoing efforts to increase the number of students pursuing higher secondary education and enhance the education sector. The minister revealed that the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Education, following the recommendations of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, were fruitful. As such, he disclosed that the number of students enrolled to seek higher secondary education (A Levels) increased by 10% compared to last year.
Furthermore, Minister Dr. Shafeeu stated that the anticipated results of these works were to see an increasing number of students being enrolled in universities and the overall enhancement of education sector. It also includes building a well-educated generation from universities, to contribute to the nation's productivity and development.
In his address, Minister Dr. Shafeeu stressed the significance of evaluating the level in which education is provided in the Maldives, when hosting a special conference for research purposes. The minister stated that this was a vital step in strengthening the education sector.
Additionally, Minister Dr. Shafeeu expressed concerns over the low percentage of students passing their examinations, compared to the expenses incurred to develop the education sector. As such, the minister revealed that the percentage of students passing their A Level exams have reduced from 60% to 50%. He said that this in turn reduces the number of students enrolling in universities. Therefore, he urged all individuals to keep this issue in mind at all times. The minister affirmed that efforts are underway to identify the challenges within the education sector, increase human resources and the number of students pursuing higher education.