Muizzu Presents National Awards and Education Honour at Republic Day Ceremony.
Photo: The President’s Office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu awarded the National Award for Public Service to 53 individuals, the National Award for Special Achievement to 40 distinguished Maldivians, and the Highest Honour for Service to Maldives Education during a ceremony marking Republic Day last night.
National Award for Public Service
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the National Award for Public Service upon 53 recipients, presenting them with commemorative shields and badges in recognition of their long-term service to the Maldivian State.
The awards were conferred during the official Republic Day function held at Dharubaaruge last night.
This State honour, initiated by the President, recognises those who have served the State for more than 35 years, celebrating their competence and integrity in carrying out their duties, as well as their contributions to their respective institutions.
Among the 53 recipients honoured this evening, 11 have dedicated over 40 years to State service, whilst the remaining 42 have served for more than 35 years.
The National Awards Committee, which was mandated to vet and select recipients for the National Awards, oversaw the selection of this year’s recipients.
In his remarks at the ceremony, the President extended his congratulations and appreciation to all recipients for their exemplary service to the State.
National Award for Special Achievement
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the National Award for Special Achievement on 40 outstanding Maldivians in recognition of their exceptional accomplishments in higher education and training. The awards, including medals and citations, recognised individuals for notable achievements in advancing through the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) of the Maldives.
This year, two individuals were honoured for achieving the prestigious Level 10 in the NQF, while 38 others were recognised for reaching Levels 7, 8, or 9. Among the recipients of the President’s Award for Special Achievement, Dr Aishath Shina and Dr Khadeeja Rasheed were particularly commended for their remarkable academic achievements at Level 10.
The following 38 individuals were recognised for reaching Levels 7, 8, or 9:
1. Uza. Aishath Ibrahim, Kuri, Th. Guraidhoo
2. Ms Fathimath Sana, Daisymaage, Th. Kinbidhoo
3. Ms Fathimath Ghaziya Fathuhee, Aabaadheege, S. Feydhoo
4. Ms Neesha Naseer, Sanfaakeyoge, S. Hithadhoo
5. Ms Maryam Shiuna, Miskhihmagu, Vidhun, Fuvahmulah
6. Mr Ali Farhaan, Sun Side, L. Fonadhoo
7. Mr Moosa Maaish Abdulla, Reksoana, GDh. Thinadhoo
8. Ms Mariya Shaukath, H. Eboodhooge
9. Mr Aishath Satheera Mohamed, Suthulige, S. Hithadhoo
10. Mr Ibrahim Sadhin, Chaandhaneege, B. Milandhoo
11. Mr Ahmed Raihan, Ma. Halkaa
12. Sgt Shayadh Saeed, Andhaleebuge, GA. Maamendhoo
13. Ms Aishath Yashfa Yoosuf, M. Capricorn
14. Warrant Officer 2 Mohammad Afrah, Hisaan, HDh. Vaikaradhoo
15. Mr Mohamed Rishfau, Pink Flower, K. Guraidhoo
16. Ms Fathimath Zahra, Veevaru, Sh. Maaungoodhoo
17. Sgt Ismail Shareef, Nivaadhoshuge, Sh. Maaungoodhoo
18. Mr Mohamed Anas, M. Huvandhugadhakoalhige
19. Ms Aishath Afa, M. Bondimaage
20. Ms Aishath Amaanee Abdul Rahman, Dhauhadhaage, Lh. Hinnavaru
21. Mr Ali Jaishan Amir, H. Maadhoovehi
22. Ms Leena Ziyad, Mezzo, HDh. Makunudhoo
23. Ms Azifa Afif, Heavenly Heaven, GDh. Fiyoaree
24. Uza. Shazna Ahmed, Funad. Luxury Villa, Gn. Fuvahmulah
25. Uza. Aishath Nuha Hameed, H. Unigasdhoshuge
26. Mr Ahmed Yaeesh Mohamed, M. Jam
27. Mr Ibrahim Zaidhaan, Overseas, D. Bandidhoo
28. Ms Rashfa Mohamed Habeeb, Tharividhaage, GA. Dhaandhoo
29. Mr Hassan Zayan Azzam, M. Karishma
30. Ms Mariyam Shaahynaa, Harumaluge, GA. Gemanafushi
31. Mr Aishath Ahulaa, Ethumaage, B. Eydhafushi
32. Ms Aminath Risma, Dhaftharu No. RS 4101, Malé
33. Dr Fathimath Athfa, Mehefil, S. Hithadhoo
34. Ms Mariyam Nashwa, Meenaaz, Th. Hirilandhoo
35. Mr Ibrahim Maahil Mohamed, M. Masthaanu
36. Dr Aminath Shifra, Hulhumalé, Hiyaa 10-19-15
37. Ms Zaha Mohamed Ziyad, M. Muranga Villa
38. Mr Ahmed Ruvaid Ziyad, M. Muranga Villa
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering educational excellence and recognising the achievements of individuals who have excelled in their academic and professional journeys. It highlights the country’s dedication to developing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce through a progressive educational framework.
Highest Honour for Service to Maldives Education
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has conferred the Highest Honour for Service to Maldives Education to Dr Mohamed Zahir Hussain, Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI), for his exceptional contributions to the education sector of the Maldives.
The prestigious award was presented during this year’s Republic Day ceremony, recognising Dr Zahir Hussain’s lifelong dedication to advancing education in the nation.
Dr Zahir Hussain’s distinguished career began following his higher education at Al-Azhar University in Egypt, after which he returned to the Maldives and began teaching at Aminiya School. His expertise led him to several prominent roles in the education sector, most notably Minister of Education. During his tenure, Dr Zahir Hussain oversaw significant milestones, including the establishment of the Science Education Centre in 1979 and the implementation of the foundational Basic Education Project.
Serving as Education Minister for over a decade, Dr Zahir Hussain later held roles such as Minister in the President’s Office and Minister of Youth and Sports. In addition, he served as a Member of Parliament, appointed by the President, where he contributed to the nation’s legislative agenda.
An accomplished author, Dr Zahir Hussain was an active committee member responsible for translating the Holy Quran into Dhivehi. He also authored several Friday sermons and contributed articles to the Islamic publication ‘Dheenuge Magu’, issued by the President’s Office. In recognition of his public service and journalism contributions, he received the National Award of Recognition in 1989, the Minivan25 National Award, and the Alimas Galan Journalism Award.
In 2001, Dr Zahir Hussain earned a PhD in Theology and Philosophy from Malaysia, subsequently receiving the President’s Award for Special Achievement. His dedication was further recognised on 10th November 2008, when he was first awarded the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI).
Currently serving as Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) since 2019, Dr Zahir Hussain’s remarkable career spans 48 years, with over 32 years dedicated to developing education in the Maldives.