President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has underscored the importance of intellectual development, placing it on par with infrastructure and housing in the process of nation-building. He made this statement during his national address on Saturday, marking the Day the Maldives Embraced Islam, which coincided with Teacher’s Day.

In his speech, President Muizzu praised the role of educators, recognizing their pivotal contribution to shaping the future of the Maldives. He urged teachers to instill essential values, such as humanity, discipline, and responsibility, in their students, stressing that these principles are fundamental to nurturing a generation rooted in Maldivian culture.

The President called for young Maldivians to grow with a strong sense of national identity, ethics, and a commitment to hard work and accountability. He emphasized that the responsibility to instill these values is shared by all citizens, not just educators, and highlighted the importance of personal responsibility. Drawing from the teachings of the Holy Qur'an, he reminded the nation that change must begin from within.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to intellectual growth as a cornerstone of national progress, President Muizzu referred to his earlier address in February, where he laid out his vision for developing the Maldivian people alongside the country’s physical infrastructure.

The President's remarks reflect his philosophy of balanced development, where both the minds and morals of the Maldivian people are cultivated in tandem with the nation's material growth.