Education Minister Warns Excessive Private Tuition Harms Student Wellbeing and Learning

Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has urged students across the Maldives to take greater ownership of their education, warning that an over-reliance on private tuition is undermining academic outcomes and mental health. Speaking at the High Achievers Awards 2025 ceremony at CHSC Hall in Hulhumalé, the Minister expressed concern over a growing national trend where students spend between four to six hours daily in private tutoring. While acknowledging that external support can be useful, Dr. Shafeeu emphasized that tuition should complement school-based instruction rather than replace it. The Minister highlighted a critical link between excessive study hours and declining student wellbeing. He warned that spending too much time in tutoring centers, often coupled with solitary study, can adversely affect a student's physical and mental health. To combat this, he called on parents and educators to prioritize time-management skills and encourage students to engage in productive extracurricular activities. Addressing the systemic side of the issue, Dr. Shafeeu noted the necessity of improving the quality of classroom teaching. He argued that the education provided within schools must be of a standard that parents and students can trust, reducing the perceived need for after-school tutoring. Referencing the latest National Assessment of Learning Outcomes, the Minister noted that the highest academic achievements are directly linked to a student's personal commitment and genuine interest in the subject matter. He asserted that fostering self-responsibility from Grade 1 through Grade 12 is essential for developing critical thinking skills and a lifelong passion for learning. “If students are more interested and take more responsibility, they will develop their thinking and learning skills,” the Minister stated, framing self-reliance as the key to long-term intellectual growth. The High Achievers Awards 2025 is a two-day event celebrating academic excellence, with multiple award sessions held to recognize the top-performing students across the country.