Minister of Higher Education Dr. Ibrahim Hassan has revealed free education policy will apply to the private institutions similar to government universities. It is a pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to begin providing free education up to the first degree level to be fulfilled in the first 100-days of the presidential term.
Speaking to media regarding the pledges, Higher Education Minister Ibrahim Hassan revealed plans to achieve the goal before the academic new year. In this regard, Minister Ibrahim Hassan noted discussion are underway with an agreement made with Ministry of Finance, adding all pledges of the government are fulfilled with an allocated budget to ensure sustainability.
Moreover, the minister added the free education policy will apply to private institutions similar to that of government institutions, noting it will be made available in atolls as well.
The government of Maldives initially allocated USD 3.235 million in the state budget to achieve the goal. However, upon request of Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) and Maldives National University (MNU), the proposed budget was doubled.