Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has revealed that efforts are underway to expand the National Teacher Training Programme across outlying islands, as 135 students complete this year's programme.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the National Teacher Training Programme at a special ceremony held at the Auditorium of the Maldives National University (MNU) on Thursday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shafeeu said that unlike in the past, the number of students aspiring to join the teaching profession is steadily increasing.

Minister Shafeeu stated that while 135 students have completed this year's programme, the number is expected to grow in the future.

He also said that he hopes at least 150 students will participate in the opportunity that will be opened in 2025.

Further, the minister said that with the assistance of the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA), they are working to expand the teacher training programme across outlying islands.

Highlighting that relocating to the capital Malé City and bearing living expenses is not easy for every family, Minister Shafeeu noted that they will facilitate a way for students to study in their islands through the programme, under the government's policy.

The president handed over scholarship award letters to the 135 students who participated in the programme this year, at the ceremony. Muizzu handed out grant letters to 21 schools nationwide that had graduates enrolled in the project.

The programme, overseen directly by the president, is designed for recent higher secondary graduates. It aims to address the shortage of teachers in the education sector and increase the number of local educators.

With a strong emphasis on education, the government aims to transform the sector's future through this training programme, offering graduates a clear career path while addressing the critical shortage of Maldivian teachers.

Participants in the programme are entitled to a monthly stipend of MVR 1,500.

The Ministry of Education says the programme will focus on training students for subjects with teacher shortages and islands in need, prioritizing these areas.

The programme is part of the 'Revolutionary Change for Education' project at the ministry, supported by funding from the Global Partnership for Education. It is conducted in collaboration with the Ministry, MNU, Islamic University of Maldives, and Villa College.