Gasim Announces Forgiveness of Student Loans for Higher Education
Photo: JP
Jumhooree Party’s (JP) leader and presidential candidate Gasim Ibrahim has declared to forgive all student loans disseminated through Villa Foundation for higher education.
Speaking during a manifesto announcement at a rally last night at Kunooz, Gasim highlighted his commitment to facilitating education for thousands of students across various disciplines using his personal funds in recent years.
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“އަޅުގަނޑުމެންގެ ވެރިކަމެއްގައި އިރާދަކުރެއްވިއްޖެއްޔާ ފަސްޓް ޑިގްރީއެއް ނޫން، މާސްޓަރ ޑިގްރީއާ ހަމައަށްވެސް ދާނީ ދައުލަތުގެ ޚަރަދުގަ އިރާދަކުރެއްވިއްޖެއްޔާ. އަދި ކީއްކުރަންތޯ؟ މިހާރު ނަގާފައި ހުރި ހުރިހާ ލޯނެއްވެސް މާފު. އަޅުގަނޑުގެ ވެރިކަމެއްގައި މާތްﷲ އިރާދަކުރެއްވިއްޔާ… pic.twitter.com/5UoBnJd3WX— JP Secretariat (@JPSecretariat) August 9, 2023
Gasim stated that a considerable number of students had availed themselves of loans with a predetermined percentage repayment structure. The accumulated sum of these loans is estimated to be close to one billion. However, Gasim revealed his decision to absolve all outstanding debts for these students, underscoring his commitment to reducing the financial burden on learners.
“I have decided to waive the entirety of the debt owed by these students,” Gasim expressed, during his address.
He emphasised that every student should have the opportunity to pursue their education without undue financial constraints, irrespective of the political outcome.
Gasim elaborated on his vision, stating, “regardless of whether I attain a position of power, I believe in ensuring affordable access to education for all.”
Gasim Ibrahim also made a pledge to forgive all student loans issued by governmental bodies if he emerges victorious in the upcoming presidential election. His proposed reforms extend beyond debt forgiveness, as he affirmed his intention to offer tuition-free education up to the master’s level.
“When I assume a leadership role, I find it incongruent to provide loans to individuals while simultaneously offering free education to the entirety of Maldives youth,” Gasim elucidated, outlining his comprehensive educational agenda.
