The groundbreaking ceremony for a new campus of The Maldives National University (MNU) in Eydhafushi, Baa Atoll was held today, marking the official commencement of the project. The ceremony was graced by the Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr. Ali Haidar Ahmed.

The event was attended by the Member of Parliament for the Eydhafushi constituency, Ahmed Saleem; Managing Director of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Retired), Ahmed Saudi; Vice Chancellor of The Maldives National University, Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam; President of the B.Eydhafushi Council, Mohamed Fathih; along with other council members and senior officials from various institutions.

Under this project, a comprehensive multi-block university campus will be designed and constructed, featuring academic, administrative, and residential facilities. The project, valued at MVR 80.79 million, is scheduled to be completed within 720 days.

Eydhafushi is the capital of Baa Atoll and has a population of approximately 3,500 residents. A significant portion of the island’s youth is employed in government institutions and nearby resorts. The establishment of an MNU campus in Eydhafushi will provide students residing in Baa Atoll with the opportunity to pursue higher education within their own atoll, significantly reducing the costs associated with studying elsewhere.

The development of this campus reflects the continued commitment of The Maldives National University to expand access to higher education and strengthen learning opportunities across the atolls.