Solih Criticised for Taking Credit for the Success of the First Degree Program
Photo: President’s Office
Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was criticised publicly for taking credit for the success of the First Degree Scheme, launched during his administration.
In a post on X, Solih marked six years since the launch of the programme in 2019, highlighting its impact. The scheme allows Maldivians under the age of 50 to pursue their first degree for free as full-time students. He stated that by the end of his presidency in 2023, 18,000 students were enrolled, with over 8,500 having graduated.
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On this day, 6 years ago, we launched our Free Degree Scheme opening up the avenue for students to pursue higher studies for free – one of my proudest achievements as President.
When we left office, more than 18,000 young Maldivians were enrolled for degrees and 8,500 young…— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) February 14, 2025
“One of my proudest moments as President,” Solih said, referring to the programme’s success.
In response, videos of former President Mohamed Nasheed announcing the programme as part of his campaign pledges have begun circulating online. Former MP for Ungoofaaru constituency Mohamed Waheed, who worked with Nasheed to draft his presidential manifesto, said it was “clearly” a pledge made by Nasheed.
ހިލޭ ޑިގްރީގެ ސިޔާސަތު ރައީސް @MohamedNasheed ގެ #JazeeraRaees ކެމްޕެއިންގައި (2018 ގެ ރިޔާސީ އިންތިޚާބުގެ ކުރިން އަދި ކޮންގްރެސްގެވެސް ކުރިން) ގެނެސްދެއްވި ކަމަށްޓަކައި އެ މަނިކުފާނަށް ޝުކުރު ދަންނަވަން.
މިއަދު އެ ދުރު ވިސްނުމުގެ ހެޔޮ ފައިދާ ދިވެހިންނަށް ތައްމިނަށް އެބަ ލިބޭ! pic.twitter.com/t9h7DaBrd5— Hussain Firushan #FreePalestine(@husnfirey) February 14, 2025
“Before it was free healthcare, this time it will be free education,” Waheed said, recalling a conversation with Nasheed while writing the manifesto.
Nasheed announced his manifesto in 2018, which included his presidential pledges regarding the First Degree Scheme. At the time, he was unable to contest the election as he was in self-exile, having been sentenced to 13 years in prison for the arbitrary detention of a judge during his administration. Solih, a last-minute candidate, ran on behalf of the Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) after Nasheed’s application was denied. He ran for president in 2018 not only representing MDP, but the broader coalition that existed between four major political parties then.
