President of Maldives receives Honorary Doctorate from IIUM

by, Irdina Kamal

GOMBAK, 29 April 2025: The President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, received an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Islamic Leadership and Madani Development from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM,) today. The doctorate recognises his leadership and commitment to national progress rooted in Islamic values.

In his acceptance speech and public lecture, titled, “The Intellectual Renaissance: Unveiling the Scientific and Modern Developments of Islamic Civilization,” the President called for a revival of Islamic intellectualism through curiosity, innovation, and unity.

He described Islam as a complete and balanced way of life that promotes social progress and human excellence. He stressed that Islamic leadership must be compassionate, morally grounded, and forward-thinking — values Muslims should not honour solely in history, but bring forward in confronting modern global challenges.

“The next great breakthroughs must come from the Muslim world,” he stated. “For that to happen, we need vision and courage, but above all we need unity and purpose. Let us not honour our legacy with nostalgia, but with ambition,” he continued.

His Excellency outlined three priorities: nurturing a love of knowledge among youth, reconciling faith and modernity, and building cross-border collaboration through platforms like the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He also reaffirmed his solidarity with Palestine, condemning the ongoing aggression imposed by Israel and calling for action across Muslim nations.

The Special Convocation was graced by Tengku Ampuan of Pahang and Constitutional Head of IIUM, Her Royal Highness Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who officiated the convocation and presented the honorary degree. In her Royal Address, Tunku Azizah commended the President’s compassionate leadership, highlighting his contributions in community and infrastructure development in his previous roles as the Mayor of Malé and Minister of Housing and Infrastructure.

Her Royal Highness Tunku Azizah also highlighted Maldives as one of IIUM’s co-sponsors during its establishment in 1983. She noted with pride that over 300 Maldivian alumni have graduated from IIUM and now serve in various government, academic, and legal professions. She warmly welcomed the prospect of more Maldivians joining the university.

Earlier in the ceremony, IIUM Rector Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar delivered the Laureation Address, describing His Excellency Dr. Muizzu as a model of ethical Islamic leadership. “This honorary degree is not merely ceremonial,” he said. “It recognises leadership as amanah (trust), and those who uphold it with justice, accountability, and service to humanity deserve the highest recognition,” he mentioned.

The Rector also emphasised continued partnership between IIUM and the Maldives, and listed potential areas for future collaborations. These include leadership training, research in Islamic governance and sustainability, and co-curricular development rooted in Islamic values.

His Excellency Dr. Muizzu concluded by thanking IIUM for its role in shaping future generations. “Let us join hands as brothers and sisters in faith and humanity to uplift the ummah, revive our intellectual tradition, and illuminate the world once again with Islamic wisdom,” he said.

This momentous occasion not only serves as a recognition of leadership, but as a renewed commitment between IIUM and the Maldives in shaping future generations who will carry forward the legacy of knowledge and virtue.***