Minister of Higher Education Dr. Ibrahim Hassan has stated the government is working on finding a way for the student pilots of the Asian Academy of Aeronautics (AAA) to complete their courses abroad.
The higher education minister made the remarks after being summoned to the Parliamentary Committee on National Development and Heritage over the serious concerns raised by students of AAA, which is operated in Gan International Airport in Addu City. Students of AAA have been unable to complete their courses due to the lack of resources and facilities at the academy. They have also raised concerns regarding the large amount of fees charged by the academy and the lack of quality of their programmes.
Speaking at the committee, Higher Education Minister Dr. Ibrahim Hassan said the ministry cannot take much action against AAA as the operations of the academy are not under the direct jurisdiction of the government. However, he said the ministry has been working on alleviating the difficulties faced by AAA students through means such as providing a moratorium on the repayment of loans taken by AAA students for their studies. He added the ministry is also working on finding a way for the students to complete their courses abroad.
There are over 170 students enrolled in the flying school, with only 12 instructors to train them. The inquiry conducted by the parliament committee revealed AAA does not have sufficient resources to conduct its programmes.
Addu International Airport Company Limited (AIA), which operates Gan Airport, had recently revealed the agreement signed with AAA to operate the flying school will expire in July this year. AIA said it has decided not to renew the agreement with AAA, and to seek a new operator for the flying school.