Gov’t Signs MoU to Subsidise Media Course Fees
Photo: The President’s Office
The government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to subsidise fees for media-related courses, as part of a broader effort to professionalise journalism in the country.
Today, Minister Ibrahim Waheed and Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam of Maldives National University signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration in media and arts education. The Ministry will co-fund course fees for participants in media related programs, expanding… pic.twitter.com/gFgEJyHNWi
— Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Art (@YouthGovMv) November 12, 2025advertisement
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Youth Minister Ibrahim Waheed (Asward) signed on behalf of the ministry, while MNU Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehnaz Adam represented the National University (MNU). The agreement was formalised at a ceremony held at the MNU Conference Hall.
According to the Ministry of Youth, the MoU aims to strengthen collaboration between the ministry and the university to accelerate national development. Under the agreement, MNU will provide resources and technical support for training programmes that meet the standards of the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). The university will also assist in conducting sessions through its College of Training and help recruit qualified facilitators.
In return, the Youth Ministry will assist in enrolling participants and contribute to course fees for media-related programmes.
Minister Asward encouraged journalists to pursue formal academic training, highlighting that structured learning offers knowledge and skills beyond what is gained through experience alone. He observed that around 90 percent of journalists in the Maldives begin their careers immediately after secondary school and urged media professionals to pursue certificate, diploma, degree, and master’s level studies. He also announced that a master’s programme in journalism will be introduced at MNU next year.
The initiative comes after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s earlier commitment to provide financial support to media outlets through the state budget. The government had initially allocated MVR 28 million to 18 media organisations, but the decision was later reversed following public criticism of the distribution process. Responsibility for media funding was subsequently transferred to the newly established Media Council.
The Media Council, appointed through a parliamentary majority, has since faced criticism from journalists and civil society groups, who contend that it undermines press freedom. The government has rejected these claims.
