President To Decide On University Establishment

The Maldives College of Higher Education has announced that it wants to establish a University by Presidential Decree.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Rector Dr. Hassan Hameed, said the college had proposed a draft decree to the President’s Office on December 18, after approval by the College directors.

In 2005, President Gayoom announced that the government would grant university status to the Maldives College of Higher Education in 2007. The President also stipulated a university must be established within an independent framework.

Since Gayoom’s announcement, the College has been working to meet the goal.

Dr Hassan said the regulation proposed to the President was drafted to international standards, which he claimed was proof the college supported an independent University.

“Our goal in the 5th National Development Plan was to carry out preparations until the end of 2005,” said Dr Hassan. “Five years ago, the Government gave us indication of plans to establish a University. Our work is being carried out according to this vision. We plan to proceed with the work we couldn’t finish in 2005.”

Dr Hassan went on to say that the college has reached every one of its short-term goals and the rest of the work would take 2-6 years to complete. He said the final opening date for the University is now up to the President.

The draft university regulation gives the College six months until it would begin to work under University status.

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