Discussions Held with IIUM Malaysia to Strengthen Higher Education Cooperation

The Rector of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar, paid a courtesy visit to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday to discuss enhancing cooperation in higher education, including PhD programs.

The meeting took place at the President’s Office, where President Muizzu and Professor Osman Bakar explored ways to deepen academic collaboration between the Maldives and IIUM. The President expressed appreciation for IIUM’s continued support to Maldivian students and highlighted the importance of expanding partnerships in Islamic education and research.

Following the meeting, the President’s Office stated that both sides expressed optimism about strengthening cooperation in the education sector.

Earlier this year, in April, IIUM conferred an honorary doctorate in Islamic Governance and Civil Development on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

The Maldives and IIUM share longstanding academic and institutional ties in areas such as Islamic education, leadership, and social finance. The Zakat House of Maldives has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIUM to enhance training, research, and academic collaboration in Zakat Management and Islamic Social Finance.

Since the 1990s, a significant number of Maldivian students have pursued higher studies at IIUM.