Reducing the timeframe to achieve university status from 20 years to 15 years would not lessen the quality of the education provided by the universities, says Parliamentarian Abdulla Rifau.
Speaking on a programme of PSM News, Rifau noted that the amendment bill to transition colleges to university status after 15 years of service was proposed because the colleges in the Maldives has the quality to operate as universities.
The proposal submitted includes amendments to the Maldives Higher Education Act and aims to expand higher education opportunities within the nation. The current Higher Education Act stipulates that a college must operate for 20 years of uninterrupted service to be considered for university status. The proposed amendment seeks to shorten the period to 15 years.
Highlighting that that private universities are operated professionally, in high quality in foreign countries as well, Rifau noted that most of the colleges in the Maldives has the qualifications to operate as universities. As such, he emphasised that the colleges in the Maldives have been providing education at the same level as universities and noted that the proposed amendments emphasises on maintaining the quality of education provided. He noted that the quality and age of many of the colleges currently operating in the country was considered, before proposing the amendments.
Reiterating that the education provided by the colleges is of high level, Rifau noted the work of Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) to uphold the quality of education provided. Rifau stated that the amendment will make the requirements to become a university more clear.
In addition to reducing the timeframe, the proposal introduces specific criteria for colleges seeking to achieve university status, such as conducting at least three programmes approved by the Maldives National Qualification Framework (MNQF) at levels 7 or 9 in various fields. Colleges must also have a minimum of 1,000 students enrolled in courses above level. 7.
The amendments bill also requires that colleges participate in international university rankings or have a minimum of five years of experience in running university-level programmes. Colleges must be involved in internationally recognised research projects, as well as demonstrate management expertise in operating foreign universities and colleges.
Furthermore, the proposal stipulates that colleges must be a member of an international organization of universities or a quality assurance body for five years. To ensure high academic standards, the proposal mandates that at least 10% of the academic staff must hold a PhD. Additionally, colleges must meet the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development's standards for facilities and resources.