The Maldives National University (MNU) is committed to maintaining high standards of integrity, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in its governance, academic activities and administrative operations.
As the national university and a public institution, MNU recognises its responsibility to safeguard public trust, promote responsible decision-making and prevent corruption, bribery, fraud, conflicts of interest and the misuse of institutional resources.
MNU’s Policy on Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery provides a dedicated institutional framework for promoting ethical conduct and preventing corruption and bribery. The policy is supported by the University’s governance arrangements, procurement and financial procedures, institutional oversight mechanisms and applicable national legislation.
Together, these arrangements reflect MNU’s commitment to ensuring that institutional decisions are guided by fairness, impartiality, transparency and the responsible use of public resources.
This commitment directly supports SDG Target 16.5, which seeks to substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms, and SDG Target 16.6, which promotes effective, accountable and transparent institutions.
View MNU Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Policy.
- Staff Code of Conduct and relevant disciplinary regulations.
- Procurement policies and procedures.
- Conflict-of-interest declaration procedures.
- Mechanisms for reporting suspected corruption or misconduct.
- Information on the responsible office or committee for handling complaints.
- Awareness sessions or staff training on integrity, ethics and anti-corruption, where conducted.
Institutional Principles and Governance Arrangements
MNU’s approach to preventing corruption and bribery is guided by its Policy on Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery and supported by institutional governance, financial accountability, professional responsibility and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
The following principles underpin the University’s commitment to maintaining an ethical, transparent and accountable institutional environment.
1. Commitment to Integrity and Prevention of Corruption
MNU promotes integrity, honesty, fairness and responsible conduct across all academic and administrative activities.
The University’s principles include:
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Opposition to corruption, bribery, fraud and the misuse of institutional resources.
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Fairness and impartiality in academic and administrative decision-making.
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Responsible management of public funds and University assets.
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Transparency and accountability in the exercise of institutional authority.
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Prevention of improper influence and personal gain arising from official responsibilities.
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Compliance with applicable national laws, University policies and regulations.
University leaders, academic and administrative staff, students and individuals acting on behalf of MNU are expected to uphold the standards of integrity and professional responsibility relevant to their roles.
These principles contribute to an institutional culture in which decisions are made responsibly, resources are managed appropriately and the interests of the University and the wider community are protected.
View Policy on Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery.
2. Governance, Oversight and Institutional Accountability
The University Council is MNU’s highest governing body and provides oversight of institutional governance, strategic direction and accountability.
The Council operates within the framework established by the Maldives National University Act (Law No. 3/2011), which provides the statutory foundation for the University’s governance and administration.
MNU’s governance arrangements bring together institutional leadership, elected University representatives and external members, providing opportunities for institutional oversight and consideration of different perspectives in decision-making.
The University’s governance and administrative structures support responsible decision-making, appropriate authorisation, institutional accountability and compliance with established procedures.
Financial management, administrative approvals and internal review functions provide additional mechanisms for safeguarding institutional resources and identifying risks.
Through these arrangements, MNU seeks to maintain public confidence in its governance and ensure that institutional responsibilities are exercised fairly, transparently and in accordance with applicable requirements.
Supporting evidence:
3. Procurement Integrity and Fair Decision-Making
MNU recognises that transparent and accountable procurement practices are essential to preventing corruption, bribery and improper influence.
University procurement activities are expected to comply with applicable procurement requirements, financial procedures, approval processes and relevant national regulations.
MNU’s principles for procurement integrity include:
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Fair and transparent treatment of suppliers and service providers.
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Procurement decisions based on legitimate institutional needs and established evaluation criteria.
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Appropriate authorisation and documentation of procurement decisions.
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Prevention and management of conflicts of interest.
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Responsible expenditure and value for money.
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Accountability in contract administration and financial transactions.
These principles are intended to safeguard public resources, promote fairness in procurement decisions and reduce opportunities for improper influence.
MNU recognises that responsible procurement extends beyond the selection of suppliers and includes appropriate contract management, documentation, financial oversight and compliance with established procedures.
Supporting evidence:
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University procurement regulations or procedures.
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Procurement evaluation and approval procedures.
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Relevant financial management regulations.
4. Conflicts of Interest and Professional Responsibility
MNU recognises that conflicts between personal interests and institutional responsibilities can undermine impartiality, fairness and public confidence.
Individuals involved in University governance, procurement, recruitment, assessment, financial management and other decision-making activities are expected to act in the University’s interests and comply with applicable requirements relating to conflicts of interest.
The University promotes the principles of:
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Disclosure of actual or potential conflicts of interest.
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Impartiality and fairness in institutional decision-making.
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Appropriate management of situations in which personal, professional or financial interests may affect official responsibilities.
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Prevention of improper personal influence in academic and administrative processes.
These principles are particularly important in safeguarding the integrity of recruitment, procurement, assessment and other decisions that affect individuals, institutional resources and public confidence.
MNU seeks to ensure that decisions are guided by legitimate academic, administrative and institutional considerations rather than personal interests or improper influence.
Supporting evidence:
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Relevant conflict-of-interest provisions in University policies and regulations.
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Applicable declaration and management procedures.
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Relevant codes of conduct or professional responsibility requirements.
5. Financial Management, Audit and Internal Controls
MNU recognises that sound financial management and effective internal controls are essential to protecting institutional resources, preventing financial misconduct and maintaining public accountability.
The University’s financial procedures, approval arrangements, recordkeeping requirements and audit functions contribute to responsible institutional management.
These arrangements are intended to support:
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Appropriate authorisation of expenditure and financial transactions.
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Accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
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Responsible management of University funds and assets.
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Identification and management of financial and operational risks.
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Review of compliance with applicable financial procedures.
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Institutional oversight and continuous improvement of internal controls.
MNU recognises that transparent financial management and appropriate review mechanisms are important safeguards against fraud, corruption and the misuse of public resources.
Through responsible financial administration and institutional oversight, the University seeks to maintain public confidence in its stewardship of resources.
Supporting evidence:
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University financial regulations and procedures.
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Financial approval and expenditure controls.
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Internal Audit mandate or Terms of Reference.
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Relevant publicly available financial accountability documents.
View Policy on Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery
6. Reporting Concerns and Responding to Misconduct
MNU recognises the importance of ensuring that concerns relating to suspected corruption, bribery, fraud, conflicts of interest or other misconduct can be brought to the attention of the appropriate University authorities.
Such concerns should be considered through applicable institutional procedures and legal requirements, with due regard for confidentiality, fairness, impartiality and due process.
Where misconduct is established, appropriate administrative, disciplinary or legal action may be taken in accordance with University regulations and applicable national legislation.
MNU supports responsible reporting, proper consideration of concerns and accountability for misconduct.
The University also recognises the importance of protecting the integrity of reporting and investigation processes so that concerns can be addressed fairly and responsibly.
These principles contribute to an institutional environment in which individuals are expected to act ethically and concerns about improper conduct are taken seriously.
Supporting evidence:
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Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Policy provisions on reporting concerns.
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Applicable complaint and investigation procedures.
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Relevant disciplinary regulations.
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Official reporting contact or channel, where established.
7. Compliance with National Anti-Corruption Legislation
As a public institution in the Maldives, MNU operates within the national legal and regulatory framework relevant to public accountability, corruption prevention and responsible financial administration.
This includes applicable anti-corruption legislation, public financial regulations and other legal requirements governing institutional conduct and the use of public resources.
MNU recognises its responsibility to comply with statutory obligations, maintain appropriate institutional records and cooperate with competent national authorities in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
The University’s Policy on Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery complements these national requirements by articulating its institutional commitment to preventing corruption and bribery and promoting responsible conduct.
Through compliance with national legislation and University regulations, MNU seeks to contribute to a wider culture of integrity and accountability in public institutions.
Supporting evidence:
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Applicable national anti-corruption legislation.
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Relevant public financial regulations.
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MNU’s Policy on Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery.
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Relevant University governance and administrative regulations.
Related University Policies and Governance Documents
MNU’s commitment to preventing corruption and bribery forms part of its broader institutional approach to ethical governance, fairness, equality, human rights and professional responsibility.
The University’s Policy on Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery is supported by other institutional policies that reinforce responsible conduct and accountability.
These include:
Promotes fairness, equal treatment, respect for diversity and an inclusive University environment.
Policy on Prohibition of Forced Labour, Modern Slavery and Child Labour
Reinforces the University’s commitment to protecting fundamental labour rights and preventing exploitative practices.
Policy on Pay Scale Equity and Gender Pay Gap Elimination
Supports fairness and equity in remuneration practices and the University’s commitment to addressing gender-based pay disparities.
Policy on Anti-Sexual Harassment and Abuse
Promotes a safe and respectful institutional environment and establishes expectations concerning appropriate conduct and accountability.
Policy on Equivalent Rights for Outsourced and Third-Party Workers
Supports fair treatment and the protection of rights for workers engaged through outsourced and third-party arrangements.
Policy on Identification and Engagement of Local Stakeholders
Provides a framework for engagement with government institutions, local councils, industry, civil society and communities, supporting institutional responsiveness and participatory decision-making.
Affirms the University’s commitment to academic freedom and responsible scholarly inquiry within the framework of academic and professional responsibilities.
Together, these policies complement MNU’s commitment to integrity and accountability by promoting an institutional environment in which individuals are treated fairly, responsibilities are exercised ethically and decisions are made in accordance with established principles and procedures.
Supporting evidence: Links to the approved University policies listed above.
Supporting SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
MNU’s institutional principles on corruption and bribery contribute directly to the following Sustainable Development Goal targets:
SDG Target 16.5 – Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms.
Through its Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery Policy, procurement principles, conflict-of-interest requirements and institutional accountability arrangements, MNU seeks to prevent improper conduct and promote integrity throughout the University.
SDG Target 16.6 – Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
Through statutory governance, institutional oversight, responsible financial management, internal controls and professional accountability, MNU supports transparent and responsible University administration.
The University’s wider governance framework also contributes to SDG Target 16.7, which promotes responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making. This is addressed further through MNU’s arrangements for elected representation and participation in University governance.
MNU recognises that preventing corruption and maintaining institutional integrity require more than written policies. They depend on responsible leadership, consistent implementation, effective oversight and the commitment of the University community to act fairly and ethically.
By upholding integrity, transparency and accountability in its own governance and operations, MNU seeks to strengthen public trust and demonstrate the principles of responsible institutional leadership that it promotes through education, research and engagement with society.
These commitments reflect MNU’s SDG 16 theme, Stronger Together: Shared Voices, Shared Decisions, and its belief that strong institutions are built on fairness, accountability, ethical conduct and the responsible exercise of authority.
