President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced the administration will provide student loans to 720 individuals next week. He made the announcement in the Presidential Address delivered at the Parliament of the Maldives.
In his address, President Solih highlighted that his administration launched the free education scheme for degree students in February 2019, which has since enrolled 12,730 students. The president said 2,127 students have now completed their undergraduate studies through the programme, and envisioned over 5,000 students doing so by the end of 2023. He added that any student with the commitment to pursuing their first degree will have the opportunity under his administration.
Furthermore, President Solih noted that another 1,500 students were granted student loans to pursue higher education overseas, and the administration prioritised those that did not have the financial capabilities and those with special needs, every step of the way. He also announced the administration will be extending student loans to another 700 individuals next week.
Additionally, President Solih said the administration is also tireless in its efforts to train professionals in various fields, with loans granted to 124 students in an effort to increase the number of local doctors. He said programmes will be launched to train 1,150 individuals in the information and communications technology and accounting sectors.
President Solih further said projects are underway across the country to significantly expand vocational training opportunities, and that a junior college is being developed in Dhihdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, while a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre development project is in progress in Alifushi, Raa Atoll. He also said projects to develop a junior college in Kendhikulhudhoo, Noonu Atoll, and a polytechnic in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll, were recently announced.