President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced on Thursday salary increments for lecturers of up to 59 per cent with the recent revisions made to the wages of higher education sector staff. He made the remarks while speaking at the 71st-anniversary function of Hirilandhoo School. The President is currently on a visit to Hirilandhoo Island of Thaa atoll.

The President spoke about the beneficial changes implemented to the wages of teachers and lecturers, emphasising that an excellent education system is built upon the quality of teachers. He added that with the changes brought on March 1, 2023, the salaries of university lecturers would see increments of up to 59 per cent.

The President stated that Maldives National University (MNU) teachers who previously earned MVR18,880 would now receive approximately MVR29,900 without overtime pay. Senior lecturers who previously made MVR20,830 would now receive approximately MVR34,000 without overtime pay. The President revealed that Assistant Professors who previously earned MVR23,500 would now receive MVR39,400, and Associate Professors who earned MVR26,000 would now receive MVR45,000.

Salaries of Deans, which were previously at MVR30,000, would be increased to MVR38,000, Registrars’ wages, which were previously MVR32,000, would be raised to MVR42,000; and Deputy Vice Chancellors’ salaries, which were previously at MVR39,000, would be increased to MVR48,000.

Associate Lecturers under the Vocation Education Professionals category of higher education staff who previously earned MVR14,700 would now receive MVR26,000, and lecturers who previously made MVR17,000 would now receive MVR34,000.

The President disclosed that the revisions would benefit 767 employees and cost MVR62 million annually. The President said implementing the changes would positively impact universities and vocational training centres.

Speaking at the function, President Solih stated that Hirilandhoo School spent the first 52 years of its 71 years as a private schooling institution run by the island’s people and emphasised that Maldivians had always prioritised the education of their children.

In response to residents’ concerns that the island’s development has been largely ignored, President Solih stated that the administration’s policies are non-discriminatory and serve all citizens without prejudice. On this note, the President highlighted the administration’s efforts to establish essential services and carry out developmental projects on all islands.

At the function, commemorative plaques were awarded to three staff members of Hirilandhoo School for their extensive years of service to the school. The President was also presented with a special plaque of appreciation from the school management. Hirilandhoo School was established on October 28, 1951.