Dr Zahir presented the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin for contributions to education sector

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the highest Civilian Award, the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI) to Dr Mohamed Zahir Hussain for his exemplary services and contributions to the development of education in Maldives.

Dr Zahir was presented the award at the official function held tonight at Dharubaaruge to mark the Republic Day.

Dr Zahir has also been presented with the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in 2008.

President Muizzu decided to confer this honour on Dr Zahir in recognition of his longstanding contribution to the education sector, and his significant role in educating the people of Maldives.

Dr Zahir began a career in education upon return to Maldives after concluding his education at Egypt's Al Azhar University in 1971. His first role was as an Islam teacher at Aminiya School, where he earned the love and respect of many.

Just over a year later, then President Ibrahim Nasir recognized the crucial role Dr Zahir could serve in policy making and implementation, and appointed him as lawyer of the Education Ministry. In 1976, Dr Zahir was appointed as a Deputy at the Ministry of Education.

This was a time when Maldives were expanding efforts in seeking foreign assistance to broaden education in the atolls. Dr Zahir became the architect of this initiative, actively involved in planning the initiative, implementation, building of the schools in atolls, and enrolling students.

Then followed the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who, too, saw promising traits in Dr Zahir which would prove to be beneficial to the nation. As such, he appointed Dr Zahir to the post of Education Minister and placed additional responsibilities on him.

Dr Zahir is one of the founders of the initiative which saw the rise in literacy rate in the country. This came to be one of the most successful educational drives held in the country to date.

At the time, Dr Zahir also focused on leading teacher training. This led to ease in finding teachers for placement across the atolls. He also led the establishment of a modern curriculum for Maldivian schools.

Dr Zahir also placed high importance on spreading Arabic knowledge in the country. He played a key role in establishing Madhrasathul Dhiraasathul Islamiyya, which is currently the Islamic University of Maldives, where he now serves as Chancellor.

The higher secondary education centre, at the time SEC, now CHSE, was also formed through Dr Zahir's foresight.

Dr Zahir has served as an Education Minister for over 10 years and 9 months. Following this, he also served as Minister at the President's Office and later, Youth and Sport Minister. In his capacity as Sports Minister, Dr Zahir is also known as having led many efforts to expand and develop sports in the country.

Even while serving in these high intensity posts, Dr Zahir made time to pursue further education, earning a PhD.

Dr Zahir, who also served as Chancellor of the Maldives National University, is hailed as the father of journalism in Maldives. 'Haveeru News', established by Dr Zahir, has been the most popular print and online news outlet in the country, widely believed to be the beacon of the golden age of journalism in the country.