President Mohamed Nasheed has said that the government was committed to providing quality education to students. He made this statement while speaking at the annual prize giving ceremony of Muhibbuddin School held last evening.

In his speech, the President said that education was central to the development of a nation. He said, therefore, providing quality education was essential for the future progress and prosperity of the Maldives.

Stressing that providing higher education in the Maldives was also a high priority of the government, the President said it was a necessary step for creating employment opportunities available in the country.

Speaking in this regard, the President stated that 400 scholarships have been offered to Maldivian students by Limkokwing Malaysia. He also said that the Minister of Education Dr Musthafa Luthfee and Minster of Finance and Treasury Mr Ali Hashim were deliberating on providing student loans.

Addressing the students, President Nasheed congratulated all the students who won prizes, and encouraged the students to strive hard. He further called on the students to gain knowledge of the history of Addu atoll and to do more research in this area.

At the function, President Nasheed presented award to the best-all-round student of 2008, Mohamed Shahud.

A commemorative plaque, on behalf of the school, was presented to President Nasheed by the school Principal, Mr Ibrahim Shathir.

The President also presented a copy of a historical manuscript to Muhibuddin School. The manuscript is of Addu Hithadhoo Mosque.