The Government of Maldives has decided to establish a National Research Council to oversee academic research.
The Higher Education Bill submitted to the parliament by Parliamentarian Mohamed Abdulla Shafeeq states the president must establish the research council to oversee all research done academically. The bill states the council will be accountable to the minister of higher education.
The work of National Research Council includes formulating higher education strategies based on contemporary science and research and development of research in the Maldives. The council is also required to authorise and counsel authorities on research in addition to developing skilled people in the field of research.
Additionally, the council is also mandated to set standards to assess research carried in the country. The bill further states the council will assist students, educators, scientists and researchers in undergoing relevant research in Maldives.
The purpose of the higher education bill submitted to the parliament includes setting operating standards of higher education institutes and overseeing all affairs related to higher education in Maldives. The bill also requires councils to establish an institution to assure quality of higher education institutes.
National Research Council will be required to authorise operational powers to set standards of the established institute in order to strengthen the higher education and training practices in Maldives.