The Maldives National University (MNU) is committed to inclusive, transparent and accountable governance, ensuring that academic staff, administrative staff and students have opportunities to contribute to institutional decision-making.
As the national university of the Maldives, MNU recognises the importance of participatory governance in strengthening public institutions and promoting a culture of shared responsibility. Its governance arrangements, established under the Maldives National University Act and relevant University regulations, provide for representation of different stakeholders in the University’s governing bodies and committees.
The University Council is the highest governing body of MNU, responsible for providing strategic direction, overseeing institutional governance and ensuring accountability in the University’s operations.
The Council brings together members appointed through different mechanisms, including elected representatives from the University community and external members.
Its membership includes:
-
The Chancellor, appointed by the President of the Republic of Maldives, who serves as Chairperson of the Council.
-
The Vice Chancellor, appointed by the President, who serves as Vice-Chairperson.
-
Eight external members nominated by the University and appointed by the Minister responsible for higher education.
-
Elected representatives of academic and administrative staff.
-
Student representation in accordance with the University’s governing provisions.
-
Other members as provided for under the University’s governing framework.
This composition enables the Council to benefit from a range of academic, professional, student and external perspectives, strengthening the University’s accountability to both its internal community and the wider Maldivian society.
Student Representation in University Governance
MNU recognises students as important partners in shaping the University’s academic environment, institutional development and student experience.
Students are represented in key University governing bodies and committees, including the University Council, Academic Senate, Committee on Courses , Library Committee and relevant faculty-level committees.
Through these arrangements, student representatives have opportunities to contribute to discussions and decisions concerning academic programmes, teaching and learning, student services, welfare and the overall university experience.
The Maldives National University Students’ Union (MNUSU) also plays an important role in representing student interests, encouraging student leadership and strengthening engagement between students and University management.
For a national university serving students across the geographically dispersed islands of the Maldives, meaningful student representation is particularly important. MNU seeks to ensure that students from different academic disciplines, campuses and backgrounds have opportunities to express their views and contribute to the University’s development.
Academic and Administrative Staff Representation
MNU promotes staff participation in institutional governance through elected representation and membership in University committees.
The Academic Senate plays a central role in academic governance, providing a forum for academic leadership and representation in matters relating to academic standards, programme development, research and teaching and learning.
Staff participation in other University committees further supports consultation, transparency and shared responsibility in institutional planning and operations.
These mechanisms recognise that effective university governance benefits from the active involvement of the people who contribute to the University’s teaching, research, administration and services.
Strengthening Participatory Governance in the Maldives
As the Maldives’ national university, MNU has an important responsibility to demonstrate principles of good governance, institutional accountability and inclusive decision-making.
In the Maldivian context, where higher education plays a vital role in developing national leadership and professional capacity, opportunities for elected representation also provide valuable experiences in democratic participation, consultation, leadership and collective responsibility.
These commitments directly support Sustainable Development Goal 16, particularly Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
MNU believes that strong institutions are built not only through effective policies and governance structures, but also through the meaningful participation of the people they serve. By encouraging representation and shared responsibility, the University seeks to contribute to a more inclusive, accountable and participatory institutional culture in the Maldives.
View Student Union – The Maldives National University
View the Organisational Structure diagram.
Summary: Students are represented in key University bodies and committees, including:
- University Council
- Academic Senate
- Planning and Development Committee
- Committee on Courses
- Library Committee
- Investment Committee
- Higher Degrees Committee
- Quality Assurance Committee
- Faculty Committees
- Faculty Quality Management Committees
- Academic Review Committee
