President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met with Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain, the outgoing Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM), at the President’s Office this morning to express gratitude for his extensive contributions to the nation’s education sector.

During the meeting, the President commended Dr. Zahir Hussain’s “sincere and immeasurable” efforts in advancing Maldivian education, including his leadership in the Government’s Basic Education Programme, the establishment of community schools and atoll education centers, and initiatives to raise public awareness about education’s importance.

Dr. Zahir Hussain, who holds the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI), described his tenure at IUM as a “distinct honour” and thanked the President for the opportunity.

He also praised the President’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and elevate the quality of education across the Maldives.

In recognition of his distinguished service, the President presented Dr. Zahir with a formal letter of appreciation, highlighting his pivotal roles as Chancellor of both IUM and the former Maldives National University (MNU), as well as his over a decade long tenure as Minister of Education.

The letter specifically acknowledged Dr. Zahir’s achievements in modernizing the education system, embedding Maldivian values into curricula, expanding Arabic-Islamic education nationwide, and spearheading the landmark Basic Education Programme.

Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain has served the State for 49 years and 9 months, with over 33 years dedicated to education. 

He received the ODRI on 10 November 2008 and was awarded the Highest Honour for Service to Maldivian Education by President Dr. Muizzu on Republic Day 2024.