President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the proportion of students progressing to A-Level after completing their O-Level examinations has risen significantly, describing the improvement as a major achievement.

Speaking at the Government’s two-year anniversary event at the Social Centre, the President said the Administration’s most important education policy is to promote a holistic system. As part of this effort, a subject on nationalism has been introduced at the earliest key stages.

The President noted that when the Administration assumed office, the pass rate for students completing Grade 10 was low. Since then, he said, results have improved, and the percentage of students continuing to A-Level has increased from 31 per cent in 2023 to 49 per cent within two years. He described this rise as a noteworthy accomplishment, crediting the extensive work carried out across the education system as well as the Government’s attention to teachers. He highlighted that declaring Friday a public holiday for teachers had a positive impact on productivity.

He also pointed to ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on foreign teachers. Currently, 190 Maldivians are undergoing teacher training with Government support.

President Dr Muizzu noted that three new pathways have been introduced for students to progress to A-Level, with the goal of shifting the national school-leaving grade from Grade 10 to Grade 12. He said this policy will expand access to higher education and help cultivate a more educated society.

He reaffirmed his commitment to begin the academic year in January, stating that the change will take effect in 2026 and will allow for a mid-year break and a longer end-of-year holiday. In addition, the President stated that many schools are now nearing completion for the new academic year, with 65 ongoing projects and 105 being implemented nationwide, including those inherited from the previous government.

The President further stated that efforts are underway to expand the campuses of both the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM). When the Administration took office, MNU had four campuses; development work is now ongoing on 26 campuses across the country. Additionally, contracts have been awarded to establish 12 new IUM campuses.

He said the goal is to make higher education widely accessible without requiring students to relocate to Malé, noting that reliance on the capital is not his policy. Agreements have also been signed to establish language schools in several islands, which he said will strengthen key sectors. Graduates of these schools are expected to contribute significantly to the tourism industry, while students from the newly established College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences will support national progress in the fisheries sector.