The Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, has said that greater efforts are needed to make vocational education more appealing to young people.

He was speaking at the launch of a 50-day countdown, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the introduction of formal, vocational education in the Maldives. The Minister highlighted that the achievements of Maldives Polytechnic reflect the determined work and decisive steps taken over the years to strengthen technical education throughout the country.

Dr Haidar described Maldives Polytechnic as a proud national institution that has prepared generations of young people to serve the nation in a variety of technical fields. He stressed that the institution’s long journey has inspired and strengthened the national workforce and facilitated substantial benefits to national development.

He noted that the countdown is a celebration of the Polytechnic’s progress and also a recognition of the dedication of many individuals who have played a role in its success. He acknowledged the determined efforts of both past and present staff and expressed his gratitude for their contribution. 

Turning to the future, Dr Haidar said that resources must be strengthened, opportunities expanded and vocational education made a more attractive option for the youth. 

He stated that fields such as artificial intelligence and cyber sciences should be introduced and developed, and that a diverse range of programmes must be made available to ensure today’s workforce is equipped for the challenges ahead.

Maldives Polytechnic was first established on 14 October 1975 as a vocational training centre, offering instruction in practical skills including welding, refrigeration, electrical wiring and engine repair and maintenance.

In October 1996, the institution was renamed the Maldives Institute of Technical Education (MITE). Three years later, in 1999, it became the Faculty of Engineering Technology under the then Maldives College of Higher Education, leading to a significant improvement in the quality and range of technical training available.

On 12 April 2010, the institution reclaimed its original name, Maldives Polytechnic, consolidating all technical programmes and courses previously offered under the Maldives College of Higher Education.

Since then, the Polytechnic has continued to expand its role as a central institution in preparing the nation’s workforce for changing economic and technological demands.