Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu has said the Maldives cannot continue to progress as a learning nation unless schools produce students who are capable of critical thinking.

Speaking at the opening of the Principals’ Conference held at Crossroads Maldives on Saturday, the minister said education must equip students with the ability to think independently and adapt beyond the classroom.

Dr Shafeeu said the national education framework aims to prepare children who love Islam and the country, describing this as the foundation of the entire curriculum.

“The most important goal of the education system is to develop thinking students. If we fail to do so, our youth will not be prepared to participate productively after leaving school,” he said.

He added that creating thinking students is essential for building an inclusive education system. “Otherwise, we will remain a country that continues to learn without producing young people who can think, analyse, and contribute meaningfully,” Dr Shafeeu said.

The Principals’ Conference, which began on Saturday, aims to shape future education policies through discussions involving school principals and teachers across the country.