Mohamed Zahir Hussain

Mohamed Zahir Hussain is a Maldivian politician, journalist, and former teacher who is currently the chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives.

Education Hussain studied at Al-Azhar University in 1971. He completed his PhD in the National University of Malaysia.

Career After coming back to Maldives from studying at Al-Azhar University, Husain became an Islam teacher at Aminiya School. During his time as Youth and Sports minister, he led efforts to expand and develop sports in the country. He was also the chairman of the now-defunct Haveeru Daily.

In 2008, he was awarded the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

In 2012, Hussain was appointed by president Mohamed Waheed Hassan as the chancellor of the Maldives National University (MNU).

In 20 August 2019, he was appointed as the chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

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.

In February 2026, Hussain resigned as the chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives.

Awards and recognitions Hussain received the Maldivian government's special award for completing his PhD in 2001, 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 the Highest Honour for Service in the Education sector in 2024.

Hussain had been hailed as the 'father of journalism in Maldives' through the creation of his newspaper Haveeru Daily. During Haveeru Daily's timespan, it served as the most popular print and news outlet in the country and believed to be the golden age of journalism in the Maldives. He has three children – Leena Zahir Hussain, Vail Zahir Hussain and Lubna Mohamed Zahir Hussain.