Gov’t Initiates Work on MNU Campus Project in Eydhafushi

Practical work on the development of a Maldives National University (MNU) campus in Eydhafushi, Baa Atoll has commenced, with the project officially initiated by the Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr Ali Haidar.

The project has been contracted to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The official handover of the project took place during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s community outreach visit to Eydhafushi last year.

The development forms part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s higher education sector and is being carried out under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).

The project includes the construction of several buildings across the campus. Plans include a two-storey accommodation block covering 6,000 square feet, a two-storey staff accommodation building measuring 3,200 square feet, and a two-storey administrative block spanning 3,000 square feet.

Additional facilities planned under the project include a two-storey classroom block covering 4,000 square feet and a two-storey academic facility block.

The project has been valued at USD 5.23 million and is scheduled for completion within 720 days.

Eydhafushi serves as the administrative capital of Baa Atoll and has a population of around 3,500 residents. The island is known to have a high proportion of academically capable youth.

Employment on the island is largely supported by government offices and the hospitality sector through nearby resorts. The establishment of an MNU campus on the island is therefore expected to create further educational opportunities and have a positive impact on the atoll.

The government has also initiated a nationwide effort to develop campuses for both MNU and the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) across various atolls as part of its broader strategy to strengthen the country’s higher education sector.