Villa College has unveiled two landmark initiatives aimed at reshaping the future of legal education in the Maldives. The ceremony, held at the QI Campus, introduced the country’s first-ever Judges Residency Programme and inaugurated the Centre for Transformative Environmental and Marine Law (CTEM).
The event also included the oath-taking ceremony of the 2025 Executive Committee of the Villa College Law Society (VCLS) and a celebration of student achievements. The Honorable Justice Uza. Aisha Shujune Muhammad of the Supreme Court of the Maldives attended as Chief Guest.
In her welcoming remarks, Uza. Asna Ahmed, Dean of the Faculty of Shariah and Law, described the occasion as a landmark moment, highlighting its role in bridging the gap between academic theory and practice.
A central highlight was the launch of the Judges Residency Programme by Justice Uza. Aisha Shujune Muhammad. She stressed the responsibility of future lawyers in upholding justice and commended the programme for nurturing legal minds with strong ethical foundations. The initiative embeds a retired member of the judiciary within the faculty, with retired Judge Abdullah Ali appointed as the first Resident Judge. He will deliver lectures, mentor students, and guide research, offering direct insights into judicial reasoning and courtroom practice.
The inauguration of CTEM was led by the Minister of State for Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Dr. Amzath Ahmed. As the first legal centre in the Maldives dedicated to environmental and marine law, CTEM is positioned as a hub for research, policy, and advocacy. The centre aims to strengthen environmental justice, promote sustainability, and contribute to global debates on climate change and marine governance.
The ceremony further underscored student leadership through the oath-taking of the VCLS executive committee. Senior Lecturer Amish Abdullah reflected on the society’s progress since its establishment in 2023, commending its role in cultivating a pro bono culture and hosting colloquia on emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Space Law.
Student accomplishments were also celebrated, including international recognition at the 20th Vis International Moot in Hong Kong and the 13th Middle East Vis Pre-Moot in Abu Dhabi, as well as achievements in the 2024 Bar Examination and honours such as the Dean’s List and Dean’s Award.
In closing remarks, Dr. Ali Najeeb, Vice Rector of Villa College, urged students to embrace integrity, service, and innovation, calling on them to make full use of opportunities on par with international universities. He said the initiatives reaffirm Villa College’s commitment to shaping graduates into skilled, ethical, and forward-thinking leaders.
