The Maldives National University (MNU) and the University of Bangladesh have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in higher education.
The agreement was signed at a special ceremony held at MNU. The memorandum of understanding was signed on behalf of MNU by Vice Chancellor Aishath Shehenaz Adam, while Muhammad Nazmul Islam, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the Maldives, signed on behalf of Bangladesh.
Speaking at the ceremony, High Commissioner Muhammad Nazmul Islam highlighted the importance of formal cooperation between MNU and leading universities in Bangladesh. He said similar memoranda of understanding are envisaged with institutions such as the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh University of Professionals, and the Bangladesh Maritime University.
He said such agreements would facilitate joint research, training initiatives, and the exchange of students and academic staff.
Vice Chancellor Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam said MNU is keen to engage experienced academics from Bangladesh for short-term appointments and to conduct specialised training programmes. She noted that MNU operates 21 centres across the country, creating significant opportunities to organise joint seminars and conferences.
She also said MNU intends to introduce a Bengali language course to support the Maldives’ tourism sector. In addition, the Vice Chancellor highlighted ongoing studies on challenges faced by foreign workers in the Maldives and sought Bangladesh’s cooperation in awareness-raising initiatives.
Dr Shehenaz said the agreement will enable the two institutions to undertake joint academic programmes, collaborative research projects and field studies, describing the partnership as an important step towards enhancing the quality of education for students.
“The agreement signed today will benefit our students in many areas, including engineering, technology, business and environmental studies. It is expected that both institutions will gain significantly from this collaboration,” she said.
Under the agreement, the two universities will implement various initiatives to further strengthen institutional ties. These include facilitating opportunities for higher education and PhD studies in engineering sciences and architecture-related fields, as well as conducting training programmes to enhance the skills and capacities of university staff.
The memorandum of understanding also aims to strengthen cooperation in academic and strategic areas, including international relations, engineering technology, business and environmental studies.