In talks to allow some course to be taught online: President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said his government is in talks to allow certain courses, currently excluded from online teaching, to be studied remotely from the islands.

Speaking in Kolhufushi, during the final stop of Meemu atoll, on his current tour of four atolls, President Muizzu said discussions were under way to make subjects such as teaching available online again.

Residents had raised concerns that restrictions under the E-learning Guidelines introduced in 2022 were preventing people in island communities from pursuing higher education.

The guidelines prohibit a number of courses from being taught online, including teaching, Quran and related studies, dentistry, doctoral programmes, technical and vocational training, engineering, architecture, and health sciences requiring professional licences.

A teacher in Kolhufushi told the President the rule had left many without options.

“People in the islands face difficulties in advancing their education. They cannot study unless they attend classes in person. Especially teachers,” he said.

Before the guidelines came into force, large numbers of teachers in island schools had been studying online through licensed colleges. Many continue to rely on distance learning to balance work and study while living in islands.