Maldives Aims to Develop AI-Proficient Workforce, says Education Minister
- The Maldivian government is expanding AI training programmes for educators and modernising school infrastructure with digital equipment.
- Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu emphasised teachers' central role and noted alignment with international curricula standards.
- The Ministry plans to procure hardware, including computers for teaching staff, with acquisitions expected by year-end.
The Maldivian government is expanding artificial intelligence (AI) training programmes for educators across the country, alongside plans to modernise school infrastructure with essential digital equipment, the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development has announced.
Speaking during a public session at the Ahaa Forum on 9 November 2026, Dr Ismail Shafeeu outlined the administration’s strategy to prepare the national teaching workforce for rapid technological developments shaping global education.
Dr Shafeeu highlighted that international curricula already govern secondary and higher secondary levels in the Maldives, whilst the primary curriculum aligns with these higher tiers, positioning the country effectively to incorporate modern instructional tools. The formal education system, he stated, continues to adopt modern technological practices in line with leading international standards.
“Teachers play the most important role in bringing meaningful changes to education,” the minister remarked.
To support educators, authorities organised specialised AI training sessions during Ramadan last year, and the National Institute of Education (NIE) continues to deliver related professional development courses.
The Minister acknowledged, however, that a persistent shortage of necessary resources and technical equipment hampers teachers’ day-to-day work. In response, the Ministry is focusing on upgrading classroom facilities and procuring hardware, including personal computers for teaching staff.
Officials expect these resource acquisitions to materialise towards the end of the year. The initiative aims to equip every school nationwide with the hardware and systems educators require to integrate technology into routine academic tasks, notably lesson planning, instructional delivery, and the drafting of examination papers.
