Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has praised the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) for its central role in strengthening national capacity, citing the institution’s contribution to cultivating professionals essential to the country’s progress.
He delivered his remarks during the second session of this year’s IUM graduation ceremonies, where he described capacity building as “arguably the most vital element in a nation’s advancement and growth.” The university’s efforts to produce skilled individuals across a range of critical sectors, he said, reflect a broader commitment to national development.
Among the initiatives highlighted was IUM’s expansion into the atolls, an effort Minister Nazim noted aligns with the administration’s policy to extend educational access and disseminate knowledge more widely across the country.
Turning to the graduating class, the minister underscored the national significance of their academic achievements. He characterised their entry into public service as a meaningful contribution to the country’s intellectual and human capital. “The entry of a group of knowledge-holders into national service represents a very important addition to the country’s national capital or resources,” he said.
He also addressed the responsibilities that accompany educational attainment, urging graduates to recognise the fulfilment that comes from applying their knowledge in service to the nation. He said that no opportunity in life is happier or more fulfilling than the chance to serve the nation using the knowledge they have acquired.
The minister encouraged graduates to view their personal success as inseparable from the nation’s collective advancement. “Always remember that the success of your lives is a critical and important part of the success of this nation’s life. This is because the success of the entire nation is the direct result of the combined successes of its individual citizens,” Minister Nazim said.
He concluded with a reflection on economic productivity, linking national output directly to the contributions of individual citizens. “The nation’s productivity will advance precisely to the extent that the productivity of individual citizens is expanded and progressed,” Minister Nazim added.
His remarks also touched on the broader imperative of inclusive development. He asserted that national progress depends on ensuring that every citizen leads a prosperous and productive life. He advised graduates to pursue personal satisfaction while contributing to the wellbeing of others, and noted that even brief moments of reflection are essential for organising and advancing life’s affairs.
In offering practical guidance, Minister Nazim urged the graduates to uphold regulatory and ethical standards as they enter the workforce and engage in professional collaboration.
This year’s IUM graduation ceremonies are being held in multiple sessions, with a total of 2,064 students set to graduate. The events also include the presentation of awards to top-performing students and recipients of the Excellence Award.