Gov’t to Increase Student Stipends, Launch Complaints App Next Month

Higher Education Minister Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed has stated the decision to increase the stipend provided to students on government scholarships, while a mobile application to address student complaints and communication issues is set to be launched next month.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over delays in stipend and tuition fee payments and persistent communication difficulties between students and the Higher Education Ministry.

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North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim, known as Kudoo, submitted a detailed report to the Minister outlining the challenges faced by students studying under government funding. The report was based on two separate documents compiling complaints received from students and their families.

The first document highlighted delays in financial transactions, including instances where reimbursements for airfare and other expenses were delayed by several months. It also detailed ongoing communication problems, with students reporting that messages sent to the Ministry often went unanswered.

In response to these issues, the Higher Education Ministry has been developing a mobile application named the Higher Education Management System, aimed at improving communication with students studying abroad under government funding. 

Although the application was initially scheduled for completion in October, it has yet to be launched due to issues identified during the development process. The Minister has indicated that the application is currently in the testing phase and is expected to be launched before the end of January.

The Minister also stated that most of the issues raised in the report are expected to be resolved within the week, particularly delays in the disbursement of stipends. He noted that payments would be processed for students who submit all required documents with complete and accurate information.

Beyond delays and communication problems, the report highlighted more serious consequences arising from unpaid tuition fees. In some cases, students studying abroad, including in Australia, have faced suspended bank accounts and restricted access to academic results and classes. The report noted that some situations have escalated to the risk of scholarship cancellations.

Parents and students overseas have been voicing frustration on social media for months over delayed stipends, unpaid tuition fees and the lack of effective communication with the Ministry.