| Mohamed Zahir Hussain | |
| Office: | Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives |
| Term Start: | 20 August 2019 |
| President: | Mohamed Muizzu Ibrahim Mohamed Solih |
| Native Name: | މުޙައްމަދު ޒާހިރު ޙުސައިން |
| Native Name Lang: | dv |
| Spouse: | Naalia Ibrahim Kaleyfaan |
| Children: | 3 |
| Alma Mater: | Al-Azhar University |
| Birth Place: | Henveiru, Malé, Maldives |
| Awards: | Awards |
| Termstart1: | 23 July 1979 |
| Termend1: | 23 April 1990 |
| Office1: | Minister of Education |
| President1: | Maumoon Abdul Gayoom |
Mohamed Zahir Hussain, is a Maldivian politician and former teacher who is currently the chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives.[1]
Zahir studied at Al-Azhar University in 1971, and in 2001, received a PhD in Malaysia in 2001.[2]
After coming back to Maldives from studying at Al-Azhar Univesity, Zahir became an Islam teacher at Aminiya School. Later, president Ibrahim Nasir appointed Zahir as a lawyer in the Ministry of Education. During the presidency of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Zahir was appointed as the Minister of Education on 23 July 1979. During his time as the Minister of Education, Zahir oversaw the creation of multiple community schools, notables being the Science Education Centre (predecessor to CHSE), as well as the Islamic University of Maldives.
He served as the Chancellor of the Maldives National University as well as many other government positions such as Minister of Education, Minister of Youth and Sports.[3] [4] [5] [6] He resigned as Youth Minister in 2004 but was appointed as a Senior Minister (Special Advisor to the President) in 2006 and served in the Cabinet of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.[7] He is also the chairman of the now-defunct Haveeru Daily.[8]
In 2008, he was awarded the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin by Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.[9]
In 20 August 2019, he was appointed as the Islamic University of Maldives, which was made during his time as Education Minister.[10] [11]
In November 2024, he was awarded the Highest Honour of Service to the Education sector by President Mohamed Muizzu for his services in the education sector.[12]
Hussain received the National Award of Recognition in 1989, Minivan 25 National Award in 1990, the Alimas Galan journalism award, President’s Award for Special Achievement in 2001, Order of Izzuddin in 2008, and Highest Honour for Service in the Education sector in 2024.
His wife was Naalia Ibrahim Kaleyfaan, who died in 2021 while receiving treatment in ADK Hospital.[13] He has three children – Leena Zahir Hussain, Vail Zahir Hussain and Lubna Zahir Hussain.