Minister Shafeeu: Unbothered by those trying to steal credit for successes

Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu states the incumbent administration is not worried despite attempts by “certain people” to “steal” credit upon seeing plans being made, implemented, and completed successfully.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of Shaheed Ali School in Hulhumale’ Phase II, the first school inaugurated in the incumbent administration’s ongoing term, Minister Shafeeu clapped back at remarks by Education Ministry officials in the last MDP administration, claiming credit for the completion of the school.

In separate Facebook posts, former Education Minister Dr. Aishath Ali and Deputy Education Minister Mohamed Ihsaan said Shaheed Ali School was planned and contracted under the previous MDP administration. Ihsaan added that the administration also contracted another school in Hulhumalé, allocating both funding and land required for the implementation of both these projects. With a sarcastic undertone, he said he was thankful that at least one school had actually been completed almost three years into the current administration.

Minister Shafeeu responded to the remarks, citing there will be “certain people” who “steal” credit when they see plans being made, implemented, and completed successfully. He stressed that this not something to be concerned about, adding all services required by teachers and students are being provided regardless.

Speaking further, the Minister said Shaheed Ali School was named by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu with the intent of raising a generation of children who are instilled with the courage and values showcased by national heroes.

He also spoke about shifting the start of the academic year back to January, noting that aligning the academic new year with the fiscal new year offers significant relief to schools.

Minister Shafeeu highlighted that the current administration has made significant progress in education over the past two years. He described the administration’s greatest achievement as launching infrastructure development and school construction projects in the atolls, without showing any discrimination toward Male’. In this regard, he noted that MVR 60 million has been budgeted for school construction projects this year alone.

He conveyed gratitude to President Muizzu, for the high priority he has placed on the construction of schools, citing development of schools and their maintenance have been neglected in the past.

According to the Minister, over 2,000 students have been enrolled at Shaheed Ali School as of present.

“By yesterday, we had approximately 1,950 students. However, by the end of yesterday, the number had neared 2,100 students. 77 percent of these 2,100 students are from atolls. Hence, I have to stay, even if this school has been established in Male’ area, and accordingly, is located in Hulhumale’ Phase II, it is a school with representation from all Maldivian islands,” he said.

Inaugurated on Tuesday to coincide with the new academic year, Shaheed Ali School is the largest school in Male’ area at present. Completed in two years since construction began in December 2023, the five-story school includes 50 classrooms, an auditorium, multipurpose hall, turf field, and indoor sports court.