The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development, Dr Ismail Shafeeu, has called on students across all grade levels to become more responsible for their own learning, warning that an over‑reliance on tuition is harming both academic outcomes and student wellbeing.
Speaking at the opening of the High Achievers Awards 2025 ceremony at CHSC Hall, Hulhumale’, the Minister noted that many students now spend between four and six hours daily in private tuition, a trend that has become a habit in the country. He stressed that while external support can be beneficial, it should complement—not replace—school‑based instruction.
The Minister highlighted the need to raise the quality of teaching so that the education provided in schools can be trusted to meet students’ needs without depending heavily on after‑school tutoring. He also pointed out that excessive tuition time, combined with solitary study, can adversely affect health, including mental health.
“If you take so much time away from home, it will affect the health of the students,” he warned, urging educators and parents to teach students time‑management skills and to encourage participation in satisfying and productive extracurricular activities.
Minister Ismail Shafeeu further emphasised that fostering self‑responsibility among learners from Grades 1 to 12 would help them develop effective learning techniques and a lifelong enthusiasm for learning. Referencing the latest National Assessment of Learning Outcomes, he said that improved results are directly linked to students’ interest and personal commitment.
“If students are more interested and take more responsibility, they will develop their thinking and learning skills,” he added.
The High Achievers Awards 2025 will continue across two days, with three award sessions held today and two scheduled for tomorrow.