Construction work has commenced on the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) campus and student accommodation being established in Manadhoo, Noonu Atoll.
The project has been awarded to Trusteng Company.
The practical construction work was officially launched at a special ceremony held in Manadhoo by IUM Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Ali Zahir. Senior university officials and members of the Manadhoo Council attended the event.
This will be the first permanent IUM campus to be developed in the atolls.
The campus is being developed with classrooms, a library, administrative offices, and seminar facilities. In addition to student accommodation, staff accommodation blocks will also be constructed. IUM aims to complete all works within the next two years and begin using the facilities.
Although the university currently does not have any permanent campuses anywhere in the outer atolls, plans are underway to develop campuses on 11 islands, with the work progressing through various stages.
A number of infrastructure projects have also been initiated across the atolls to reduce the need for students to depend on the Greater Malé area for access to higher education.
During presidential visits to the atolls, foundation stones were laid for campuses of both the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) in various islands. The Government has stated that many of these projects are expected to be completed within the next two years, significantly expanding access to higher education opportunities throughout the atolls.