Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed, Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, has delivered a resounding endorsement of the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM), describing it as a distinguished institution of academic excellence and spiritual purpose, and a source of national pride.
Addressing attendees at the university’s graduation ceremony, Minister Haidar characterised IUM as “a luminous and powerful beacon,” commending its unwavering commitment to religious and worldly knowledge, Islamic unity, and service to the nation. “Today, IUM stands as an advanced academic institution, excelling in learning, research, and analysis, a source of great pride for the Maldivian nation,” he said.
The university’s evolution, he noted, can be traced to the early 15th century. From these origins, IUM has grown into a high-level academic institution delivering modern education across the country and to the wider Islamic Ummah.
Its academic portfolio reflects that growth. Minister Haidar confirmed that IUM currently offers approximately 100 distinct programmes, ranging from certificate and diploma courses to master’s and doctoral degrees. The breadth of offerings underscores the university’s commitment to comprehensive educational development.
At the heart of IUM’s mission is a strategic vision to disseminate beneficial knowledge across diverse disciplines. “The vision of IUM clearly reveals its resolve to become a university firmly positioned in the vanguard for spreading beneficial knowledge across a broad spectrum of fields, serving both the Maldivian nation and the entire Islamic Ummah,” he stated.
The university’s expectations for its graduates are equally ambitious. Minister Haidar outlined a core objective centred on ethical integrity and professional excellence. “Furthermore, IUM has established a core objective that the scholars and skilled professionals produced by the university must be honest, compassionate, and highly respected individuals; they are expected to be attentive to the advancement of Islamic knowledge and national development, maintain international awareness, and deliver services that generate profound, spiritually productive benefits,” he said.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone, with 2,064 students graduating. Academic excellence was formally recognised, as top-performing students and recipients of the Excellence Award were honoured for their achievements.