No New Strike As Teachers To Register Anger At Ballot Box

One month after about 1,500 teachers held a one-day strike, teachers have agreed to wait for pay rises, provided a new educational structure is implemented immediately.

At a meeting on Friday, the Association of Teachers Link agreed that if the structure – due to revamp promotions and benefits for teachers – is introduced, they will accept a delay to pay rises until next year.

But in an apparent veiled threat to government, they also resolved to “think about those who have violated our rights” when voting in the upcoming presidential elections.

Willing To Wait

Teachers understand funds for pay rises have not been allocated in the 2008 budget and are willing to wait until they are, said Association of Teachers Link spokesperson Abdullah Mohamed.

In a press conference Thursday, state minister for finance Rilwan Shareef had said pay rises for teachers will “definitely be in the 2009 budget.” But officials could not promise an earlier pay increase.

However, teachers are asking for the immediate implementation of the proposed pay structure because “we have lost trust,” Mohamed said.

The pay structure, outlining promotions and benefits according to teaching qualifications, has been promised by the education ministry since 2006.

Teachers had initially requested a pay rise from Rf 4,195 (US$329) per month to Rf 12,000 (US $937) with an additional Rf 2,000 (US$157) for overtime and other benefits, but in July reduced their demands to those outlined in the promised pay structure, after government pleaded a lack of funds.

In reaction to Friday’s meeting, deputy education minister Ibrahim Ismail asked, “How will they implement the structure without increasing their pay?” He recommended further discussions with the finance ministry.

No Strike

During the recent press conference, education minister Zahiya Zareer pleaded with teachers not to strike again, saying: “Our children will suffer.”

Mohamed agreed, “This is not the most appropriate time to strike. There are more appropriate times coming up to make our feelings known…[for example] the elections.”

“[When we vote], we will be thinking about those who have violated our rights… and consider those who will work to better the education system and award us benefits and pay raises,” said Mohamed. “This way we will not be causing any harm to schoolchildren.”

Ismail said, “I am not sure who violated their rights. It is certainly not the education ministry, but I cannot speak for the government.”

Agreement

Mohamed said, “[All the teachers] are travelling in the same direction. We all say the same thing, and have the same thinking.”

Despite past condemnations of July’s strike by the ministry, Ismail supported the teachers’ work thus far, saying, “I think they should fight for their rights.”

Mohamed said the Association of Teachers Link has distributed over 4,000 membership forms, gaining 2409 registered members to date. About 9,000 teachers work in the Maldives altogether.

We will establish a university:MDP

The Main opposition MDP has said that they will be establishing the first university of Maldives when their government assumes duties from 11 November 2008. This was said by MDP's Parliamentary Leader Hassan Afeef when he spoke at a meeting held in honour of the visiting British conservative party member. Afeef said, there had been too much talk in presidential addresses and at the opening of the Majlis and now it is too late for President Gayoom's Government to seize this opportunity.

" Singapore attained independence with us. See the difference between our two countries. Singapore does not have that many resources., We are blessed with enormous marine resources, beautiful islands. But just see the vast difference between us. " comparing Singapore's dramatic development, Afeef said.

He questioned, what has the Government done with all the wealth it has earned. He agreed there is some development, but health services and living conditions should have been much better, Afeef said. When we are embracing change, everyone must think about this seriously, a change which has not happened in 30 years cannot be achieved in 5 years, Afeef warned. He asked the people to think carefully when they vote for a president.

Afeef went on to say Maldivian people are not benefiting from the wealth of the nation although the GDP is high and MDP will ensure the wealth of the nation is fairly distributed and people enjoy a better life under an MDP lead Government. He assured that they will provide imroved health and education in the country. MDP does not want people to remain destitutes and go to neighbouring countries for every major treatment.

College endorse Shaugy’s plans

Maldives College of Higher Education (MCHE) has endorsed the policies and concepts employed by Dr. Mahmoud Shaugy, former tourism minister, on establishing a national university.

Rector of MCHE Hassan Hameed when asked to comment on the recent views expressed by Dr. Shaugy on submitting a bill to the parliament to smooth pass the formation of the university said that Shaugy’s thinking and policies are good policies and that they at the meeting of the College Council had discussed the matter. He further said that Council was unanimous that the bill was sufficient and that no amendments were needed.

At the graduation ceremony held at Islamic Center in December 2005 President Gayoom had talked about forming a national university.

According to sources Abdulla Yamin during his tenure as Higher Education Minister has finalized all preparations on part of the ministry with regard to the national university. Sources say that the talks about the university somewhat lessened when Yamin resigned from the government.

Shaugy has said that the national university must be established as an independent organization similar to other such universities around the globe.

With the resignation of Dr. Shaugy from the cabinet earlier this month, President Gayoom has offered Dr. Shaugy the Vice Chancellorship of the national university to be formed. According to president’s office Shaugy has accepted the offer and the president have assigned him all responsibilities of establishing the university.

Shaugy in a previous interview given to Miadhu Daily has said the he was taking on the job as he considered the job to be a national service. He said it was not political move or intended to please anyone but it was rather part of his services to the nation as patriotic citizen.

Tourism Training Island bid documents to be ready soon - Ministry

Tourism Ministry has revealed that work on bid documents on Tourism Training Island will be completed in the next two to three weeks.

Mr. Mohamed Waheed Assistant Director General at the Tourism Ministry speaking to Miadhu Daily said that in order to encourage more Maldivians to take up carriers in the tourism industry and to provide them with necessary skills, Training Schools are to be set up in the north and south of the country. Mr. Waheed said that the concept of the Training Island and other necessary logistics on the bid documents of these training establishments will be complete in the next week.

The tourism training center in the north is to be set up Hdh. Nolhivarum and the training center in the south is to be set up in Gasgadufinolhu and Bodufinolhu of Laamu Atoll.

Ministry says when the training resorts are established it will have a bed capacity of 150 to 200 and will have all the modern conveniences plus administrative offices, lecture rooms, classrooms and accommodation blocks for students and staff.
Additional points will be awarded to proposals which contain agreements from schools of international reputation to conduct training in these resorts say the Ministry.

Ministry also says during the first year diploma courses acceptable to Maldives Accreditation Board will be held and that during the third year degree courses will be held. Ministry also revealed that these resorts will take up training of foreign students as well.

IMHI Post Graduate Degrees ranked N° 1, 6th year in a row

The MBA in International Hospitality Management, offered by the Institut de Management Hôtelier International (IMHI), has been ranked Number 1 among Hotel and Tourism Post Graduate degrees in France.

The ranking was established by SMBG, a consultancy specialised in higher education. SMBG based their ranking on interviews with both graduates and recruiters. The results are validated by a Committee which includes a representative from the French ministry with special responsibility for research.

Three key criteria are retained for the ranking: recognition of the programme, salary on graduation, and satisfaction of the graduates.

Created twenty-seven years ago as a joint venture with Cornell University, IMHI is now independent of Cornell and launched last September a new 'MBA in International Hospitality Management' exclusively under the ESSEC name. With a program that has strong international content, less centred on North America, ESSEC aims to reinforce its position as a European leader in this sector.

ESSEC Business School has trained business leaders since 1907. As one of France's premier institutions, a grande école in the French educational system, ESSEC is esteemed for its highly selective admissions, wide range of quality business programs, innovation in business expertise and practices, vast alumni network, strong relationships with companies and the high quality and international scope of its faculty. ESSEC MBAs are accredited by AACSB and EQUIS.

Bids opened to determine contractor of 2nd girl’s secondary school

Ministry of Education has revealed that the bid opening ceremony to determine the contractor of second all girls secondary school to be constructed in Male’ under the General Aid Scheme of the Japanese Government was held in Japan on 10 of March 2008.

According to Education Ministry the bid was won by Wakachichu Construction Company of Japan. The consultants of the project are to be Mori Architects and Associates Inc. of Japan.

The second all girls secondary school is to be constructed where former Thaajuhdheen School was located. According to Education Ministry it is the block no 398 and has an area of 38050 square feet. The project is to commence next month.

According to Education Ministry the contract price of the project is 607,300,000 Japanese Yen or Rf 73,665,490. Ministry informs as per the contract the construction is required to be completed in one year.

Ministry informs that when the school is completed it will have all the modern facilities required for a school like science lab, library, audio visual room, computer rooms, art room, multi purpose room, activities room, staff room, assembly hall, staff room and toilets.

100 schools to get broadband internet service

Ministry of Education has revealed that by the end of the year 2008, 100 schools will be provided with broadband internet service.

Speaking to Miadhu Daily, Director General of Ministry of Education Mohamed Saeed said that 100 schools will be provided with broadband internet service by the end of the year under the Teacher Resource Centers (TRC) established in 20 atolls under the joint collaboration of UNICEF and Ministry of Education.

“It is a project we collaborate with UNICEF, 20 TRC have established in the atolls, under the project we will provide internet service to 100 schools by the end of the year, work is going on a very fast pace” said Saaid.

When asked on the standards of school chosen for the internet service Saeed replied that schools has not been chosen as yet and as the service provider is Dhiraagu , Ministry will hold necessary consultations with Dhiraagu later.

Saeed further said priority will be given to schools in atolls where TRCs are not established. “As the service provider is Dhiraagu they will inform us which islands they can provide the service, we have not yet decided on the schools” said Saeed.

NFHE Loan Scheme & Scholarships 2008

Department of Higher Education and Training have announced the results of National Fund for Higher Education & Training. Click the links below for results.

NFHE Loan Scheme 2008 - Selection
Merit
Ongoing

NFHE Scholarships 2008 - Selection
NFHET 2007 Scholarships - Human Rights Law - Selection
NFHET 2007 Scholarships - Videography - Selection

List not revealed due no committee meeting - Ministry

Ministry of Higher Education Employment and Social Security has revealed that due to lack of quorum of the committee, ministry is unable to reveal that names of selected candidates.

Visam Ali Director General at the Ministry speaking to Miadhu Daily said the names of candidates selected for scholarships under National Fund has not been revealed as scheduled as the Ministry is unable to convene a meeting of the committee due to lack of quorum. However Visam pointed out the names will be revealed sometime this week or early next week.

“The meeting of the committee was cancelled due to lack of quorum that is why the names have not been made public” said Visam.

A student who wishes to remain anonymous told Miadhu Daily that the delay indicates the irresponsibility of concerned officials of the Ministry and that this happens every year.
“It has nearly 3 months now and still they are unable come out with the list, this happens every year” said the student.

Vissam speaking to Miadhu Daily on the 5 of this month said that a total 555 people applied for loans under the Loan Scheme of the National Fund and that the ministry would be able to reveal the successful candidates later in the week.

Director General revealed that when the deadline to apply for 75 scholarships expired on the 26 of December last year 555 people applied for loans under the scheme.

According to the Ministry four areas were considered in the selection process. They are students with exemplary academic records, students who have obtained scholarships where tuition fees are waived, students currently studying, and for those who wish continue further training on specialized fields.

The National Fund established to provide assistance to students seeking higher education will give priority to areas where government gives priority and for technical and vocational training.

Related news: Ministry to reveal successful candidates names next week

Youths of Ha atoll are being introduced to tourism sector

With the introduction of tourism to Ha atoll, youths of the atoll are being introduced to trades of the industry.

Ali Shaukath Reservation Executive of Cinnamon Island Resort established at Alidhoo of Ha Atoll speaking to Miadhu Daily said that as part of the effort to get the youths of the atoll introduced to tourism sector, opportunity has been opened to join hotel school for youths interested in doing so.

He said the resort looking for youths to join an introductory program on tourism. In this regard a team from the resort has visited Dhihdhoo and Kelaa last Friday. He also said 20 youths from the island of Utheemu visited the resort yesterday. He said many young people from these islands were briefed on the carrier opportunities available in the tourism sector and also were given information on the hotel school.

Shaukath further said that course was mainly aimed at islands of Ha atoll but that youths from other atolls would also be welcome. He said priority will be given to youth of nearby islands as accommodation facility is not available in the resort. He said transport to and from the resort has been arranged.

Shaukath also said in choosing students, priority will be given to youths who failed O level examinations and that these students have a bright future with the resort.

Shaukath further said the course will have duration of 3 months and will be conducted by a Sri Lankan expert. He also said following completion of the course more than 75% of the students will be offered jobs in that resort or will be provided jobs in the company.

Cinnamon Island Resort is resort managed by John Keels Company. According to reports there are 3 resorts operational in Ha Atoll.

Villa Foundation signs MOU with Curtin Sarawak

Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Villa Foundation.

MOU is part of the Foundation’s continuous commitment to the provision of educational, vocational and technical scholarships for Maldivian students.

According to a media release by Curtin University, under the MOU the University will be offering one full postgraduate (PhD) scholarship to be named the Curtin-Villa Foundation Scholarship Award.

Curtin Villa Foundation Scholarship Award provides additional opportunities for Maldivians to explore learning in a unique Australian university campus in Borneo. Curtin Sarawak will be added into the Villa Foundation’s list of institutions and the University will benefit through the presence of Maldivian students on its international campus say the media release.

Media Release informs that Curtin Sarawak is currently home to 12 Maldivian students studying in the field of Engineering, Business, Media and English. To date the University has seen 4 Maldivian students graduating and returning to work in their home country.

Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia offers undergraduate courses in Business, Engineering & Science, and Mass Communications with options of other programs such as Diploma courses in Business and Plant Process Technology, the Intensive English Program and the undergraduate preparatory Foundation year courses in Business, Engineering and Media say the media release.

Curtin Sarawak provides a student with a wholesome university learning environment that does not only emphasis academic excellence but is also committed to character building and grooming graduates who are prepared to take on the challenges of the working world.

Malaysia number 1 destination for education - Hameed

Villa Foundation has said that Malaysia is the number one destination or the best destination to pursue higher education.

Executive Director of Villa Foundation Mohamed Hameed speaking to Miadhu Daily said the Villa Foundation decided to arrange exhibition with universities of Malaysia as Malaysia was the number one destination to pursue higher education.

“Malaysia is the education number one destination that is main reason why Villa Foundation arranged this exhibition” said Hameed.

The exhibition held at Qyaasuhdheen School was inaugurated by Minister of Construction and Public Infrastructure Mauroof Jameel.

According to Hameed the exhibition is aimed at those who have finished school wishing to pursue higher education. The exhibition will be held from 15 to 16 of March from 1600 hours to 2230 hours.

Hameed revealed that this was the 7 exhibition the Foundation held and that considering that it was the first day of the exhibition substantial support was received.

“So far it has been very good, the officials have been very busy, no time even for short break, most of the students are always on the watch out for these exhibitions” said Hameed.

The exhibition is participated by 5 universities of Malaysia, 5 university colleges, 5 colleges and Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia.

University Education Fair 2008 to commence today

University Education Fair 2008 organized by Global Network will commence today. The fair will be open to public on 14 to 15 March from 1700 hours to 2300 hours at Dharubaaruge.

Global Network revealed that the objective of the fair is to assist those interested in seeking higher education by providing information on suitable colleges and universities as well as to assist the students to choose areas of study.

According to Global Network the fair is aimed at students who sat O level examinations last year as well as organizations wishing to advance human resources in their company.
Global Network informs that fair is being supported by Department of Higher Education and High Commission of India.

Life Expectancy Tied to Education

(HealthDay News)

Life expectancy in the United States is on the increase, but only among people with more than 12 years of education, a new study finds.

In fact, those with more than 12 years of education -- more than a high school diploma -- can expect to live to 82; for those with 12 or fewer years of education, life expectancy is 75.

"If you look in recent decades, you will find that life expectancy has been increasing, which is good, but when you split this out by better-educated groups, the life expectancy gained is really occurring much more so in the better-educated groups," said lead researcher Ellen R. Meara, an assistant professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School.

"The puzzle is why we have been successful in extending life span for some groups. Why haven't we been successful in getting that for less advantaged groups?" Meara said.

The answer may lie with tobacco, the study found.

About one-fifth of the difference in mortality between well-educated and less-educated groups can be accounted for by smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer and emphysema, Meara said.

But the disparity in life expectancy is not only a function of education, Meara said. "Those with less education are likely to have lower income. They're likely to live in areas that have their own health threats, either through crime or poor housing conditions. In addition, they may have worse access to health insurance coverage and health services," she said.

The study was published in the March/April issue of Health Affairs.

For the study, Meara's team collected data on people who took part in the National Longitudinal Mortality Study. The researchers used death certificates, plus estimates from Census data, to create two datasets -- one covering 1981 to 1988 and the other from 1990 to 2000.

The researchers found that in both datasets, life expectancy rose but only for people with more than 12 years of education. For those with 12 years of education or less, life expectancy remained flat through the periods.

When the researchers compared data from the 1980s to data from the 1990s, people with more education had almost a year and half of increased life expectancy. But, for people with less education, life expectancy increased by only six months.

In the period of 1990 to 2000, the better educated saw their life expectancy increase by 1.6 years. For the less educated, life expectancy didn't increase in all.

When the researchers looked at gender differences, they found that less-educated women actually had a decline in life expectancy. In 2000, those women with more than 12 years of education by age 25 could expect to live five years longer than less-educated women, the study found.

The challenge, Meara said, is to figure out ways to extend life expectancy of all groups in U.S society. "We need to get a better understanding of how we can extend these great things we're learning about how to lead healthier lives into these groups," she said.

Dr. David L. Katz, director of the Yale University School of Medicine's Prevention Research Center, thinks fighting poverty and improving education are key to increasing life expectancy among less-advantaged Americans.

"Disparities in health are a major challenge in the United States," he said. "The less affluent and less educated are also, invariably, less healthy."

Initiatives that target health disparities are always welcome, but they may not go far enough if they don't relieve underlying discrepancies in educational or economic status, Katz said.

"Despite efforts throughout the 1980s and 1990s to reduce the disproportionate mortality and morbidity burden experienced by ethnic minorities and the socio-economically disadvantaged, those burdens have persisted," Katz said. "And the gap in life expectancy between the more educated and the less has actually widened."

The take-home message is to redouble efforts to eliminate health disparities, Katz said. "Health is not a product of health care per se, but of one's life course and opportunities. Poverty and limited education are enemies to both opportunity and health. Public health efforts must strive against them as earnestly as against the diseases they drag in their wake."

In another report in the same journal issue, Rachel Kimbro, a sociology professor at Rice University, and colleagues found that immigrants with low levels of education fared better in health outcomes compared with native-born Americans, regardless of race or ethnicity.

The researchers said these differences should be taken into account when targeting programs to reach specific groups of people.

Malaysian University Education Fair to be held

Villa Foundation has revealed that preparations are presently underway to conduct a Malaysian University education exhibition in Male’. The exhibition is to take place at Ghiyaasudheen School on coming Friday and Saturday.

According to the Assistant Director of Villa Foundation Mariyam Nashwa, the fair is planned to be held from 4 in the evening to10:30 in the evening.

She said that the fair will provide the opportunity for students seeking higher education in Malaysian universities. She also reported that 17 universities will be participating in this year’s exhibition.

In previous years also exhibitions of similar nature was conducted and attracted many students. Therefore, it is expected that there will be a huge turn-over for this year’s exhibition.

Many Maldivian students go to Malaysia to obtain their degrees and have become one of the most favourite destinations in the region.

Ministry to reveal successful candidates names next week

Ministry of Higher Education has revealed that they would be able reveal the names of the successful candidates selected for the loan scheme of the National Fund some time next week.

Director General of Ministry of Higher Education Employment and Social Security speaking to Miadhu Daily said that a total 555 people applied for loans under the Loan Scheme of the National Fund and that the ministry would be able to reveal the successful candidates.

Director General revealed that while the deadline to apply for 75 scholarships expired on the 26 of December last year 555 people have applied for loans under the loan scheme.

When choosing candidates for the loan scheme priority is given to main areas. The areas are students with excellent academic qualifications, those who get scholarships where the tuition fees are waived, students who are continuing their studies and vocational training.

The National Fund established to provide assistance to students seeking higher education will give priority to areas where government gives priority and for technical and vocational training.

5000 drug addicts in Maldives - Minister

Aishath Mohamed Didi Minister of Gender and Family has revealed that the current number of drug addicts in the country is somewhere between 3000 to 5000. She said that this was indicated in rapid assessment survey conducted with the help of Fashan Jamuiyaa and UNDP.

Speaking at the Majlis session held last Wednesday Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi, in response to a question asked by MP for Male’ Ibrahim Ismail said the figure may not be accurate. She said this was due to the fact many of the families of the addicts as well as other people are very reluctant to reveal accurate information. Minister Aishath said that last year 252 addicts were rehabilitated with the society following treatment, 617 remained under treatment by the end of the year.

Minister further revealed that in the light of the information received from Department of Penitentiary in year 2007, 137 people were jailed for drug offences and 46 were jailed for repeated drug offences. She further said 160 people are under arrest for drug offences and 23 who have been sentenced in absentia are on the loose and needs to be arrested.

“In 2007, 641 people were jailed for various offences out of which 85 are due to drug offences” Minister Aishath revealed.

President gives away this year’s National Youth Awards

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday gave away this year’s Youth National Awards. The President gave away the awards at the official meeting held to mark this year’s Youth Day in Dhangethi.

Eleven individuals received the Youth National Award this year. There are Aishath Nazima of H.Chooru , Fathimath Zaeema of Muriguge / L. Fonadhoo , Moosa Niyaz of Athireege / R. Alifushi, Abdulla Rifau of M. Waving Light , Ahmed Faiz of Hithahfinivaage / Adh Mahibadhoo , Ali Shaheem of Asurumaage of Adh Mahibadhoo , Imadh Mohamed of Jaymugasdhoshuge / Gdh Hoadehdhoo, Adhunan Abdul Rahman of Gulisthaanuge / V. Velidhoo , Riyath Abdul Majeed of M. Merry Weather, Ahmed Shiraaj of M. Alividhuvaru and Ali Farish of M Haveereefini.

Shaheed Javaad Umar Award presented to Mohamed Sobah of G. Finolhu. Villingili Youth and Sports Association, Jamiyathul Solah of Lh. Naifaru and Naifaru Juvenile of Lh. Naifaru were awarded the Youth Society National Award.

The National Youth Awards was inaugurated in the year 1999 to recognize and welcome the achievements and success of the individuals who selflessly work for the general good of the community and to encourage them to continue their efforts. The award encourages the youth to work for the development of the country, and to demonstrate that they are responsible people with good qualities making them an asset to the society.

Shaheed Jawaad Umar Memorial Award is rewarded to the youth of outstanding heroic achievements. It is a very unique and special award, and encourages the youth towards noble deeds, which works for the betterment of the society as a whole.

President announces a new youth program

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom yesterday announced a new program aimed for the youth, titled “Second Chance”. Speaking at the ceremony held in South Ari Atoll Dhangethi to present the youth’s National Award, President Gayoom said that the aim of this program was to give second chances to those deprived of opportunities and services, and to allow them to adapt to the society and become innovative citizens.

President Gayoom began his speech by expressing condolences to the bereaved families of the five youths who died in an incident which occurred in Male’ late last night. A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of these youths.

In his speech, President highlighted the work done by the Government to provide different services for the youths living in all regions of Maldives. He said that work to build Youth Centers in three different atolls would begin this year. President Gayoom noted that the people of Dhangethi were very hard working and praised their excellent social ties. The youth’s National Awards, Shaheed Javaad Umar Award and the Youth Societies’ National Awards were presented to the respective winners by the President. Eleven individuals received the Youth National Award this year.

President Gayoom congratulated all the recipients of the awards. The people of Dhangethi presented an honorary plaque to the President at the ceremony. The Island Chief, Ali Waheed Aboobakuru handed the plaque to the President on behalf of the people of Dhangethi. Gasim Ibrahim, Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, Mohamed Wahiduddin and Mohamed Mauroof Jameel also received honorary plaques from the people of Dhangethi. Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Youth and Sports said that the theme for this years’ Youth Day, “Youth for Youth’s Development” signified the importance of the honesty and integrity within the youth community. He said that the main objective was for the youth to become responsible individuals. The vote of thanks was delivered by the South Ari Atoll Chief, Abdulla Jameel. At the end of the ceremony, the members of the Youth Expedition presented their song and their motto to the President.

President and the First Lady were greeted upon their arrival in Dhangethi this morning by chief officials of the Atoll, the Minister of Youth and Sports Mohamed Waheeduddin, guests attending the ceremony, officials of the island and members of the general public. The students of Dhangethi School presented a welcome song.

Rules of management completed two years after the announcement of a university

Giving out the Presidential Address of the year 2008, His Excellency Maumoon had stated that the works on the completing of the rules and regulations of management of the university had been completed even though the Maldives College of Higher Education was not transformed to University as said in last year’ presidential address.

“Therefore, with the blessings of Al-mighty ALLAH, the university would be established in the Maldives this year!” stated the President.

Giving out the Presidential Address last year, President had announced that the works on the compiling of the rules of management was underway and the university would be established in a near future. However, the failure of the establishment even in more than a year is being very much highlighted by the men of politics.

President the announced the establishment of a university, when giving out the Presidential Address of the year 2006, on 23rd of February, by stating that the works were being carried out as the college would be transformed to a university since 2007 onwards.