Students spending between four and six hours at tuition after completing a six-hour school day is an issue that requires serious reflection, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development Dr Ismail Shafeeu has said.

Speaking during the first session of the High Achievers’ Ceremony, Minister Dr Shafeeu said students must take greater responsibility for their own learning and develop a stronger interest in their studies. He said taking responsibility for learning helps students strengthen their thinking skills and improve how they understand lessons.

Minister Dr Shafeeu also raised concern over the tuition culture that has developed in society, noting that many students attend lengthy tuition sessions after returning home from school.

“A student spends six hours at school and then goes home and spends another four to six hours on tuition. This is something that requires serious thought,” he said.

While students may need support outside school, Minister Dr Shafeeu said it should not reduce their participation in classroom learning. He stressed that students must be encouraged to focus on lessons taught at school.

The Minister warned that spending excessive time on tuition could affect students’ wellbeing and reduce the time available for sports, recreation, and other activities. He also said students should learn to manage their own time.

Minister Dr Shafeeu said students who take the initiative to explore and learn independently retain close to 75 per cent of what they study. He warned that excessive reliance on others and “spoon-feeding” could weaken how well students retain knowledge.

“This is an issue that parents and students must carefully consider and take action on,” he said.

Addressing teachers, Minister Dr Shafeeu said classroom teaching should be organised in a way that enables students to learn what they need during school hours. He warned that weaknesses in classroom teaching could further strengthen the tuition culture.

The Minister called on schools, teachers, parents and students to work together, stressing that meaningful progress in education cannot be achieved without collective effort.