President expresses gratitude to Dr Mohamed Zahir Hussain (ODRI) following his resignation as Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives

The President met with the outgoing Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM), Dr Mohamed Zahir Hussain, Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI), and expressed his gratitude for Dr Zahir Hussain's service and contributions during his tenure.

During the meeting held this morning at the President's Office, the President acknowledged the sincere and immeasurable contributions made by Dr Zahir Hussain towards the progress and development of the Maldivian education sector. The President commended the outgoing Chancellor's pivotal role in spearheading the Government's Basic Education Programme, his commendable efforts in establishing community schools and atoll education centres across the country, and his work in raising public awareness on education.

Dr Zahir Hussain described his tenure as Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives as a distinct honour and conveyed his appreciation to the President for entrusting him with the opportunity. He also applauded the President's initiatives aimed at strengthening and enhancing the quality of the Maldivian education system.

In recognition of his distinguished service to the State, the President presented Dr Zahir with a letter of appreciation. In the letter, the President highlighted Dr Zahir’s contributions to expanding higher education in the Maldives during his tenure as Chancellor of the IUM and, prior to that, as Chancellor of the Maldives National University (MNU). The President underscored his distinguished service of over a decade as Minister of Education, recognising his role in modernising and strengthening the education system, incorporating Maldivian values into curriculum development, expanding Arabic-Islamic education nationwide, and implementing the landmark Basic Education Programme.

Dr Mohamed Zahir Hussain has dedicated 49 years and 9 months of service to the State, including over 33 years in the Maldivian education sector. He was conferred the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI) on 10 November 2008 and received the Highest Honour for Service to Maldivian Education from President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Republic Day 2024.