Highest civilian honor to be conferred to Zahir for services to education sector

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to confer the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI) – the highest civilian award – to Islamic University of Maldives (IUM)’s Chancellor Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain for his distinguished service and contributions to the Maldivian education sector.

In an announcement on Saturday, the President’s Office said the President decided to confer the honor to Zahir in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of education in the Maldives, and educating the people of the Maldives.

Zahir has held various posts in the government. In this regard, he served as the Education Minister and Youth Minister during former president Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom’s administration. He later went onto serve as a special advisor to Maumoon.

Zahir also worked in journalism. He served as the head of Haveeru news which was published from 1979 and 2016. He has also written for news and other publications on a wide range of topics.

He will be conferred the honor at the official reception to mark this year’s Republic’s Day which is slated for 20:15pm on Sunday at Dharubaaruge.

The function will also see the presentation of President’s National Award for Special Achievement to recipients. A total of 40 individuals selected by the Special Awards Committee are set to receive the award this year.  Additionally, 53 individuals will also receive awards for service to the state, as selected by National Awards Committee.