President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday urged student to step up to challenges with steadfast resolve and courage.

He made the remarks while speaking at the President's Scholarships and High Achievers' Scholarship ceremony held at Huravee School tonight.

The President was accompanied to the ceremony by First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Dr. Muizzu encouraged students to prioritise their service to the nation. He urged students to be true to their Islamic faith and to appreciate their parents and guardians for their struggles to provide a successful academic life to students.

President Dr. Muizzu also announced that the Administration would prioritise increasing employment categories reserved for locals, along with a fair remuneration to accompany it. He added that the priority given in the state budget to national progress would also extend to human resource development.

As such, he announced the state's plans to earmark MVR 200 million starting 2025 to enhance remuneration packages of such individuals who demonstrate academic excellence to ensure local talents remain in Maldives.

Among the recipients of the President’s Scholarship & High Achievers' Scholarship awarded letters tonight, 136 students achieved academic excellence in five subjects in their higher secondary examinations. Nineteen students were awarded the President’s Scholarship tonight, while an additional 117 students were awarded the High Achievers’ Scholarship for achieving an “A” or higher grade in their higher secondary examinations.