President Muizzu Awards Maldives’ Highest Civilian Honor to Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain for Transformative Contributions to Education

In a highlight of the Republic Day celebrations, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu conferred the prestigious Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI) upon Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain, recognizing his extraordinary impact on the Maldives’ education sector. This is the second time Dr. Zahir Hussain has received the ODRI, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his decades-long dedication to advancing education, Islamic scholarship, and public service.

Dr. Zahir Hussain’s career in education began after completing his studies at Al-Azhar University in Egypt, when he returned to the Maldives to teach at Aminiya School. His leadership and vision for education reform led to roles of increasing responsibility, most notably his decade-long tenure as Minister of Education. During this period, Dr. Zahir Hussain spearheaded transformative initiatives, such as the creation of the Science Education Centre in 1979 and the foundational Basic Education Project, both pivotal in shaping the country’s modern educational landscape.

Beyond education, Dr. Zahir Hussain held positions as Minister in the President’s Office and Minister of Youth and Sports. His public service extended into Parliament, where he contributed to national policy and legislative development. As a scholar and author, he was instrumental in translating the Holy Quran into Dhivehi and contributed to Islamic publications, earning him the National Award of Recognition in 1989, the Minivan25 National Award, and the Alimas Galan journalism award. In 2001, he earned a PhD in Theology and Philosophy, later receiving the President’s Award for Special Achievement.

Since 2019, Dr. Zahir Hussain has served as Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM), where he continues to shape the country’s educational future. His unparalleled dedication to education, spanning over 48 years, has solidified his legacy as a foundational figure in the Maldives’ educational and scholarly landscape.