Vice President Faisal Naseem has inaugurated a university degree level higher education programme for Maldivian Imams and Muezzins aimed at enhancing their knowledge of Islamic studies and values, during a ceremony held this morning at the Islamic Centre. This programme is a joint effort between the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Islamic University of the Maldives. Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Ahmed Zahir, and Minister of Higher Education, Dr Ibrahim Hassan also participated in the ceremony.
The Vice President praised Imams as important and valued members of the community, who help distinguish between right and wrong, and provide guidance on important religious matters. He called on all Maldivian Imams to focus their work on addressing pressing social issues.
Vice President Faisal Naseem also shed light on the policies of this administration on diversifying higher education and training, noting the Administration's efforts to deliver a wide variety of educational and training programmes for all ages. He noted that in order to sustain a healthy national economy, it is vital that every citizen should be able to pursue and contribute to careers they are passionate about and are suited to their skills.
Concluding his statement, the Vice President commended the management and staff of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Islamic University of Maldives for all their hard work initiating this programme. He also urged all Maldivian Imams to make the best use of this opportunity.
This programme, inaugurated today, is free of tuition fees and has enrolled 384 Imams from across the country.
