Quality Over Duration in University Conversion Process: Dr Mariya

Higher education authorities in the Maldives emphasize the necessity of legally ensuring that colleges provide quality education throughout their operation before transitioning to university status.

Current legislation mandates that a college must operate continuously for 20 years to attain university status. However, Maafannu South MP Abdullah Rifau (Boche) has proposed an amendment to reduce this period to 15 years.

The National Development and Heritage Committee is reviewing the matter.

At the committee meeting, Higher Education Minister Dr. Maryam Mariya expressed reservations about converting colleges to universities solely based on the duration of the operation. She stressed that the quality of education is more critical than the length of time a college has been functioning.

“Our intention is to consider [turning it into a university] if it is an institute or college that has been providing quality education for 15 years,” she stated.

The minister suggested that if the law sets a timeframe, it should be amended to prioritize quality in higher education and training.

She emphasized the ministry's goal of enhancing the quality of educational institutions in the Maldives.

The National University (MNU) supports the proposal. MNU Vice Chancellor Aishath Shehenaz Adam stated that for a college to be converted into a university, 70 percent of the courses offered should be original courses, taught by permanent staff.

Islamic University (IUM) Vice-Chancellor Aishath Waheeda holds a different view, believing that 20 years is the optimal period for a college to operate before transitioning to university status. She pointed out that the proposed amendment would necessitate further legislative changes soon after its implementation.

Maldives Qualification Authority CEO Mariam Fizana Rasheed mentioned that the authority has extensively discussed the amendment and does not support reducing the required period to 15 years. She suggested maintaining the 20-year requirement or, if changed to 15 years, using the next five years to prepare for the transition to university status.

After considering these perspectives, the committee agreed to consult further with other agencies.