Minister of Higher Education Dr. Ibrahim Hassan has stated the current government has spent the most on human resource development and higher education.
Responding to questions at the Parliament of the Maldives, Minister Hassan said the current presidential term has seen the most expenditure on human resource development and higher education in the history of the country.
The minister said the policies of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also allowed the government to continue providing opportunities for higher education despite the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the minister said the government has continued to provide scholarships and student loans without delays during the pandemic. He also noted the unprecedented efforts of the government for the development of human resources, and for providing higher education opportunities and training during the current presidential term.
The government has provided USD 9.8 million in student loans for 514 individuals after opening applications in February. The loans were provided after the government made changes to the regulations on giving out loans in order to allow students to receive higher education in the Maldives and abroad. In 2020, around 14,000 students participated in higher education and training programmes conducted at colleges and universities.