President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has expressed his gratitude to Dr Mohamed Zahir Hussain, recipient of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI), following his submission of resignation as the Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM).

The President conveyed his appreciation during a meeting held on Sunday morning at the President’s Office. At the meeting, President Dr Muizzu described Dr Zahir as a figure who has made sincere and dedicated contributions to the advancement and development of the national education sector.

The President highlighted Dr Zahir’s pivotal role in leading the Government’s Basic Education Programme, the establishment of community schools and atoll schools across the Maldives, and his sustained efforts to raise educational awareness among island communities. He also noted Dr Zahir’s success in strengthening the education system through policies that balanced modern educational needs with Maldivian cultural and Islamic values.

In recognition of his service to the State, President Dr Muizzu presented Dr Zahir with a special letter of appreciation. The letter reflected on his contributions to expanding higher education during his tenure as Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives, as well as his earlier service as Chancellor of the Maldives National University (MNU).

The letter further highlighted Dr Zahir’s tenure of more than a decade as Minister of Education, during which he oversaw major reforms, implemented the Basic Education Programme, strengthened the national curriculum, and expanded Arabic–Islamic education nationwide.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr Zahir said serving as Chancellor of IUM had been a great honour. He expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve under his Administration and commended the President’s initiatives to strengthen the education system and raise national education standards.

Dr Zahir has served the state for a total of 49 years and nine months, with more than 33 years dedicated to the education sector. He was conferred the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI) on 10 November 2008. In addition, he received the Highest Honour for Service to Maldives Education from President Dr Muizzu at the official Republic Day function in 2024.