Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain, Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI), has resigned from his position as the chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM).
He had a meeting with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office on Sunday morning, during which he expressed gratitude for Zahir’s service and contributions during his tenure.
During the meeting, President Muizzu acknowledged the sincere and immeasurable contributions made by Zahir  towards the progress and development of the Maldivian education sector.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (R) meets with Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain (C) on February 1, 2026. (Photo/President's Office)
According to the President’s Office, he also commended Zahir’s pivotal role in spearheading the government's basic education program, his efforts in establishing community schools and atoll education centers across the country, and his work in raising public awareness on education.
Zahir described his tenure as chancellor of the IUM as a distinct honor, and conveyed his appreciation to the President for entrusting him with the opportunity.
He also applauded President Muizzu’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 Zahir with a letter of appreciation, in which he highlighted 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).
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu (R) meets with Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain (L) on February 1, 2026. (Photo/President's Office)
The President underscored his distinguished service of over a decade as education minister, recognizing his role in modernizing and strengthening the education system, incorporating Maldivian values into curriculum development, expanding Arabic-Islamic education nationwide, and implementing the landmark basic education program.
Zahir has dedicated over 49 years of service to the state, including over 33 years in the Maldivian education sector.
He was conferred the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin on November 10, 2008, and received the Highest Honor for Service to Maldivian Education in 2024.