First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called on MNU graduates to aim to make determined efforts with courage and compassion to build a promising future for the coming generations. She made the remarks while speaking at the first session of the Maldives National University's (MNU) graduation ceremony held at the MNU Auditorium this morning.

Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady emphasised the importance of STEM, stating that 'STEM,' which includes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, is the basis for societal innovation and that all global disciplines lead to professionals with STEM backgrounds. Despite the importance of STEM, the First Lady relayed concerns relating to gender equality within the field. She detailed the challenges both men and women face in studying, participating in work, and achieving their full potential in STEM. She then spoke of the importance of creating a unified STEM community to address these challenges.

Directly addressing the graduates and their parents, the First Lady celebrated the remarkable achievements of the graduates. She commended their hard work, acknowledging that graduating from MNU is a significant accomplishment. The First Lady then expressed her hope that all graduates will adapt to work environments and embrace diversity in their future endeavours.

During today's first session of MNU's graduation, twenty-eight students graduated from the Faculty of Shariah and Law, and ninety-four graduated from the School of Nursing.

At the ceremony, the First Lady handed over certificates to graduates who completed degree and master's level courses at the MNU. She also presented honour awards to the two graduates who received grade points 3.5 and above and first place in their course programmes.

The Maldives National University has over 3,000 students, eleven faculties, and five campuses, including the Malé City campus.