President Opens University of Milano-Bicocca Maldives Outpost in Magoodhoo

President Mohamed Nasheed has opened the University of Milano-Bococca Maldives Outpost in Magoodhoo of Faafu Atoll today.

University of Milano-Biococca Maldives Outpost will be specialized in conducting marine research.

Speaking after opening the university center in Magoodhoo, the President underscored the government’s education policy, which, he stated, consisted of providing a holistic education in schools and higher education opportunities in different areas of the country.

He said this outpost established by one of Italy’s premier universities would greatly contribute to realizing the government’s aim of providing higher education opportunities in the Maldives.

On the opening of the University, the President earlier said the “university outpost offers students at the University of Milano-Bicocca the opportunity to conduct marine research in one of the world's most spectacular tropical ecosystems, which is also at the climate change frontlines. The outpost also provides a chance for Maldivians to study at a world class university, without having to leave the Maldives."

University of Milano-Bicocca is a multidisciplinary university in Italy which was founded 12 years ago.

Addressing the people of Magoodhoo today, the President urged to change the way the people perceive development as concrete and tangible infrastructure.

He reiterated that real progress was the progress of individuals, and noted the importance of providing a good quality education to develop individuals who could contribute to the development of the nation.

The President also underlined the importance of providing social protection for the people, in addition to providing education, as an important prerequisite for individual’s development.

In this regard, the President highlighted the success of the government’s social protection programme, and the socio-economic benefits of the programme for the island.

Magoodhoo is the first stop in the President’s tour to some islands of Faafu and Dhaal Atoll that he began this afternoon.

He is visiting the atolls to inform the people on the programmes included in this year’s budget for the development of the atolls.