The Maldives National University (MNU) successfully conducted a two-day Professional Development (PD) Programme focused on strengthening legal and Shari’ah education, advancing the integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning, and fostering a high-impact research culture within the Faculty of Shari’ah and Law.

The programme was led by Dr. Sapna Mohan, Dean of the School of Law at Dayanand Sagar University, and brought together faculty members for focused discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions on emerging developments in legal education, academic research, and strategic leadership. The sessions provided valuable insights into navigating global developments in legal education while upholding academic integrity and the principles of Shari’ah.

The first day, themed “Transforming Legal and Shari’ah Education in the AI Era,” explored global trends shaping contemporary law programmes, institutional readiness for digital transformation, and the role of generative AI in legal reasoning and education. Faculty members also participated in a panel discussion examining whether AI should fundamentally influence the way Law is taught. The session concluded with practical approaches to curriculum transformation aimed at preparing graduates for the evolving demands of modern legal practice.

The second day focused on “Research Excellence and Strategic Academic Leadership,” with discussions centred on strengthening high-impact research, securing research funding, and publishing in reputable academic journals. The sessions also facilitated strategic discussions on future research priorities for the faculty, alongside actionable approaches to academic leadership, faculty succession planning, and continuous quality improvement.

The Professional Development Programme contributes to several interconnected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through strengthening teaching practices, curriculum development, and academic capacity; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, through the exploration of digital transformation and responsible integration of AI in education; and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, through advancing legal education, research, academic integrity, and institutional capacity. The programme also supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by facilitating academic collaboration and knowledge exchange between MNU and international higher education institutions.

The programme marks an important step in strengthening the Faculty of Shari’ah and Law’s academic capacity, research priorities, and leadership practices, while supporting the continued development of legal education that responds to global advancements while remaining grounded in the Maldives’ legal and Shari’ah context.