First Lady Sajidha Mohamed attended the opening session of the Islamic University of Maldives’ (IUM) 2026 graduation ceremony as chief guest, presenting awards to top-performing students as Vice Chancellor Dr Ali Zahir highlighted the university’s expansion with Government support.
A total of 98 students graduated in the first session, during which First Lady Sajidha Mohamed presented awards to nine students for their academic achievements.
This year’s ceremony comprises two sessions, with 542 students graduating across various programmes. They include 322 certificate students, 14 diploma students, 69 bachelor’s degree students, five postgraduate students and 132 master’s degree students. The graduates include Maldivians and international students from countries including Egypt and Palestine.
Reflecting on the university’s development, Vice Chancellor Dr Ali Zahir pointed to changes in its student population over the past three years as evidence of public trust. He also highlighted the extensive assistance President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Administration had provided, describing IUM’s campus expansion across the atolls as unprecedented in its history.
Vice Chancellor Dr Ali Zahir explained that the university had acquired some of its resources only within the past few years. He also pointed to changes in the student population over the past three years as clear evidence of public trust.
Describing IUM as one of the country’s notable educational institutions, Vice Chancellor Dr Ali Zahir noted that the public looked to it for education. He outlined the university’s efforts to increase resources and broaden educational provision to nurture good citizens who could meet the country’s needs.
Turning to the contribution of its graduates, Vice Chancellor Dr Ali Zahir noted that they were serving in various fields and called for research to assess the benefits they had brought to the Maldives.
Vice Chancellor Dr Ali Zahir also urged graduating students to keep important considerations in mind. In line with the university’s vision and mission, he stressed that every graduate should respect Islam, love the Maldives, and understand the standards the country upholds.