Higher Education Programme for MPs Paid By Themselves, Says Falah

MV+ News Desk | February 19, 2025
Photo: People’s Majlis

Majority Leader Ibrahim Falah announced that the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) is conducting a higher education programme for Members of Parliament, initiated by the People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentary group, with the course fees to be paid by the MPs themselves.

On Monday, Parliament signed an agreement with IUM to offer an advanced certificate course in Sharia and Law for MPs. The announcement was met with criticism, as some members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) claimed they were not given the opportunity to participate.

PNC parliamentary group leader Falah clarified that the course fees and related expenses would not be covered by the Parliament Secretariat, emphasising that MPs would pay directly for their enrolment. He stated that the programme aims to enhance legislators’ understanding of constituency issues, providing them with valuable knowledge relevant to their roles.

He also noted that some participants already hold master’s degrees, but in fields unrelated to law.

A PNC parliamentary group official confirmed that 26 members from the group would take part in the programme. Among them, eight would complete an advanced certificate course, while the remaining 18 would pursue a bachelor’s degree in law. The official explained that, under Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) regulations, individuals must complete a Level 4 certificate course before enrolling in a bachelor’s degree. The official stated that this requirement applies to all students and that no special exemptions had been made for MPs.

Parliament Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla is also among those undertaking a bachelor’s degree under the programme.

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