Minister Shafeeu Sets Ambitious Benchmark: 65 Percent of Secondary Graduates to Stay in School Until 18

The government is pressing ahead with reforms to the education system, continuing a programme that sets a national target for at least 65 percent of students completing secondary school to remain in formal education until the age of 18, Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu has said. According to the minister, the initiative is intended to reshape higher secondary education and establish a new benchmark for student participation.

The target represents a striking departure from the conditions inherited by the current administration. When it assumed office, only about 30 percent of eligible students had access to higher secondary education. That figure remained largely unchanged until 2023, when access continued to hover at the same level.

Minister Shafeeu said the government’s strategy is designed to break this stagnation by broadening opportunities and ensuring that formal education does not end with the completion of secondary school. He added that the government's goal is to provide continuous educational engagement.

Central to the reform is the creation of three distinct pathways at the higher secondary level. The Academic Pathway follows the traditional track, with students pursuing standard academic studies. The Vocational Pathway, introduced at this stage for the first time in the Maldives, focuses on craftsmanship and practical skills. A third option, the Work-Based TVET Pathway, is designed to prepare students directly for the workplace in collaboration with government offices and institutions.

Evidence of progress has already emerged. This year, 49 percent of students who completed their O-levels were offered places within the Academic Pathway. In addition, the Vocational Pathway opened its application window on 3 October, offering programmes that lead to certification equivalent to Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) Level 4.

To support this initiative, the government plans to establish a high school in Malé dedicated exclusively to vocational training. Ten specialised courses have already been announced for enrolment. The pathway itself follows a period of testing: it was piloted in 23 schools last year, with experimental programmes scheduled to continue in 12 schools this year.

Public interest has been strong. Within two days of the application window opening, 25 percent of the available capacity had already been filled, according to Minister Shafeeu.

The minister highlighted that the reforms are not only about expanding access but also about building a skilled workforce. Students completing the Vocational Pathway will be able to progress into diploma and degree-level courses at universities, or alternatively, enter the labour market directly with practical skills. The Work-Based TVET Pathway, the third option, will be launched soon, with implementation planned in partnership with government institutions.

Concluding his remarks, Minister Shafeeu said the reforms underscore the importance of continuous study and the acquisition of professional skills. He expressed confidence that these initiatives would help shape a generation defined by industriousness and capability.