Intellectual development as crucial as infrastructure, president says

President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday stressed that intellectual development must be regarded as equally important to nation-building as infrastructure and housing.

He made this remark during his address to the nation on Saturday, commemorating the day the Maldives embraced Islam.

In his speech, which coincided with Teacher's Day, President Muizzu also addressed the country’s educators, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping future generations.

He emphasised the need for teachers to instil values such as humanity, discipline, and responsibility in students.

The president called on teachers to nurture young Maldivians with a strong sense of national identity and ethics rooted in Maldivian culture.

He underscored the importance of fostering a generation that values hard work, accountability, and responsibility.

However, the president noted that this responsibility extends beyond educators, urging all citizens to play their part in shaping the nation’s future.

He highlighted that moral growth begins with personal responsibility, referencing Quranic teaching that change starts from within.

Reaffirming his commitment to intellectual development as a pillar of national progress, President Muizzu referenced his previous address in February, where he outlined his administration’s philosophy: developing the nation’s people alongside its physical infrastructure.