The Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI) has been conferred upon Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu conferred the highest Civilian Award on Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain for his distinguished service and contributions to the education sector of the Maldives.

Currently, Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain serves as the Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM).

The honor was bestowed upon him during the official ceremony held to mark this year’s Republic Day, at Dharubaaruge on Sunday.

The president decided to confer the honor upon him to recognize his outstanding contributions to the development of education in the Maldives, and educating the people of the Maldives.

After completing his higher education at Al-Azhar University in Egypt, Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain began his service in the Maldives at Aminiya School.

After that, he served several positions in the education sector, including the position of Minister of Education.

During his term as the Minister of Education, Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain made significant contributions to the advancement of the education sector.

As such, the Science Education Center was opened in 1979 under his leadership.

Further, he introduced positive reforms to the Maldivian educational curriculum several times to make it modern and culturally relevant. One of the biggest projects led by Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain was the Basic Education Project.

After serving as the Minister of Education for more than 10 years and nine months, he was appointed as a Minister at the President's Office.

Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain also held the positions of Minister of Youth and Sports and Minister of Youth Development and Sports.

As a member of the People's Majlis appointed by the president, he also served in strengthening the constitutional system of the Maldives.

In addition to this, he served for a long time on the committee for translating the Holy Quran into Dhivehi and wrote Friday sermons, led Friday and Eid prayers in the capital, Malé City and even wrote articles on multiple topics for the "Dheenuge Magu" which translates as “Path of Religion”, newspaper published by the President's Office.

In 1989, he received the Public Service Honor Award in journalism, and in 1990, he received the Public Service Award of Minivan 25.

He has also been awarded the "Alimas Galan" in journalism.

Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain obtained his Ph.D. in Theology and Philosophy from Malaysia in 2001. Upon completing his Ph.D., he received a special award from the government that year.

The Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI) was conferred to him on 10 November 2008.

He has been serving as the Chancellor of IUM since 20 August 2019.

Dr. Mohamed Zahir Hussain has dedicated 48 years of service to the state, with more than 32 years in the education sector.