President Mohamed Muizzu has said that more than USD 64.7 million has been disbursed in student loans during the first two years of his administration, highlighting education as a central pillar of national development.
The President made the remarks in a message shared on social media to mark the International Day of Education, where he described education as a foundation for sustainable development and long-term global progress.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusivity, President Muizzu stressed that youth participation and empowerment remain a core pledge of his leadership. He noted that expanding access to education is essential to ensuring equal opportunities and strengthening the country’s future workforce.
According to the President, the government has rolled out several initiatives aimed at supporting students pursuing higher education. He said that more than 6,000 students have graduated under the state-funded free degree programme over the past two years, reflecting increased access to tertiary education.
President Muizzu added that investing in students not only benefits individuals but also contributes to building a prosperous, equitable, and resilient nation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that opportunities for further studies remain available to all, describing education as a unifying force for national progress.
Official figures point to a steady rise in state funding for higher education. Data released by the Ministry of Higher Education shows that 596 students received student loans in 2025, while a total of 1,438 students have been granted loans over the past two years.
In addition, 2,798 students are currently receiving financial assistance through the free degree programme. During 2025 alone, 3,286 students graduated under the scheme, while 5,863 students who registered over the past two years are continuing their studies.
The government says these figures reflect its broader strategy to expand access to higher education while strengthening human capital development across the country.
