The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has expressed concern over the significant increase in students not attending school.

During the ceremony in publicizing the National Assessment of Learning Outcomes report for Key Stage 3 (KS3) 2025, the minister stated that students need to attend school to maintain adequate grades. Minister Shafeeu said that however, a large number of students are not going to school, and that it is a matter of deep concern.

"Parents, teachers, all of us need to think about this. Especially parents. I understand that it is the World Cup season. Even so, around 8,000 students not going to school concerns us," said Minister Shafeeu.

According to the minister, 40 percent of the students not attending school are from schools in the Male' region. He also said that their grades will suffer if they lose out on lessons.

While highlighting that they are looking into the students who are not going to school, Minister Shafeeu said that previously, if a certain number of students were not attending school, it would be reported to the ministry. However, he said that they are looking into the number of students who are regularly absent in school and the number of students who attend school.

While pointing out that a solution to this issue needs to be found, Minister Shafeeu stated that for each day they do not attend school, it will negatively affect the student's learning. He also stated that if it is repeated, students will not want to go to school, and that it will be difficult for parents and teachers to face such a situation.

The minister said that they began establishing a special platform in keeping track of how often students go to school last month, and that it will measure student attendance because of it.