Dr Zahir Resigns as Chancellor of IUM After Nearly 50 Years of Public Service

Dr Mohamed Zahir Hussain, Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM), is resigning from his position following a distinguished career of nearly half a century in public service.  

Dr Zahir Hussain’s impact on the Maldives is vast, spanning several decades and multiple high-level roles. A recipient of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI), he concludes his tenure marked by nearly 50 years of state service, including more than 33 years dedicated to the development of the Maldivian education sector.

He served for over ten years as the Minister of Education, during which he was credited with modernising the national curriculum to integrate Maldivian values and expanding Arabic-Islamic education across the country.

His leadership was also pivotal in establishing the nation’s higher education landscape, serving as the Chancellor of both the Maldives National University (MNU) and the IUM. His efforts in spearheading the government’s Basic Education Programme and establishing community schools in the atolls remain landmark achievements in the country’s history.

Earlier this morning, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with the outgoing Chancellor at the President’s Office to express the nation’s gratitude. During the meeting, the President presented Dr Zahir Hussain with a letter of appreciation, acknowledging his “sincere and immeasurable” contributions to the state.

President Muizzu highlighted Dr Zahir Hussain’s work in raising public awareness for education and his role in laying the foundation for modern schooling in the atolls. The President’s recognition follows his decision on Republic Day 2024 to confer upon Dr Zahir Hussain the Highest Honour for Service to Maldivian Education.

In response, Dr Zahir Hussain expressed that serving as the Chancellor of IUM was a “distinct honour” and thanked the President for the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s academic growth. He further commended the President’s current initiatives to enhance the quality of the Maldivian education system.