Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu addressed the inaugural ceremony of the seventh International Teachers Conference, emphasizing the crucial role of increasing higher secondary education enrollment in fostering a generation that will contribute significantly to national productivity and development.

Dr. Shafeeu outlined the government's ongoing initiatives to boost higher secondary education, revealing a 10% increase in students enrolling for A Levels compared to the previous year. He credited these efforts to the Ministry of Education’s dedication and the guidance of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The Minister expressed optimism that these initiatives will lead to a higher number of students pursuing university education, ultimately enhancing the overall education sector and producing a well-educated workforce.

He also highlighted the importance of evaluating the current state of education in the Maldives, proposing a special conference focused on research to strengthen the sector further.

However, Dr. Shafeeu raised concerns about the declining pass rates for A Level examinations, which have dropped from 60% to 50%. This trend not only affects university enrollment but also raises questions about the effectiveness of educational investments. He urged stakeholders to remain vigilant about these challenges, assuring that efforts are underway to identify and address the obstacles facing the education system, as well as to enhance human resources and support for students pursuing higher education.