Alumni Stories 2024

Aishath Sidhuna (Sidhu) is a proud alumna of the Maldives National University (MNU). Sidhu is a skilled professional who has earned her first degree in Information Technology and a Master’s degree in Project Management.

Her academic journey across various fields is exemplary for today’s generation. Currently serving as the Assistant Director of the University’s Secretariat Sectionariat Section, Sidhu is a diligent leader. In the workplace, she is characterized as someone who connects well with everyone and knows how to collaborate effectively with all sections. Sidhu’s most distinctive quality is her ability to find solutions to every challenge and her unwavering determination to achieve goals with patience.

Her contributions to the university community are equally praiseworthy. During her time as a student, she demonstrated leadership skills and a passion for service, participating in various extracurricular activities specifically organized for university students. Sidhu considers the knowledge, wisdom, and experience gained during her student years as invaluable assets.

Her work ethic, sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to responsibilities are enduring testimonies to the education she received and her experience at MNU.

This alumna is recognized not only for her academic achievements but also for the quality of service and work she provides to the university community. The Maldives National University takes pride in Sidhu’s contributions toward nation-building.

Rasheed Abdulrahman (Rashee) is a graduate and current employee of the Maldives National University (MNU). Rashee earned his first degree in Information Technology. In 2014, after moving to Male’ from his home island to pursue his education, he completed his undergraduate degree and then served for three years as a Senior Analyst Programmer at the Department of Public Examinations. Subsequently, while working in the Software Development Department at the university, he completed and graduated with a Master’s in Business Administration from the university.

Rashee considers MNU as the beginning of his higher education journey. He believes it was where his eyes were opened to the world and where he was prepared for the professional environment. He intends to continue his educational journey from Bachelor’s through Master’s and eventually to PhD level, all with the National University.

Rashee does not view graduating from university and completing one’s educational life as the end of learning. In his perspective, graduation is just the beginning of learning. The university lays the foundation—a foundation for learning how to find and utilize information.

According to Rashee, no human can be taught or given complete information about any subject. The accuracy and completeness of information will always depend on the time, place, and person. He believes that continuously enriching one’s knowledge through books, articles, and other resources is the responsibility of every student and graduate.

Rashee considers it equally important to develop oneself personally while properly utilizing acquired knowledge in the professional environment. In this regard, he views the National University as a place that provides freedom to work on personal development and encourages it. He believes that he was able to successfully complete his Master’s degree while working intensively in his professional field thanks to the support of the MNU team.

The University is proud of Rashee’s contribution to nation-building.

Hawwa Zareena (Hawwa) believes that as a proud senior student of the university, she has experienced the comprehensive work and revolutionary journey that the Maldives National University has undertaken to expand its academic shelter and achieve the high standards it has attained today.

Hawwa completed her Secondary Teacher’s certificate from the Faculty of Education and later graduated with a degree from the Maldives College of Higher Education. She states that the revolutionary experiences provided by the university enabled her to develop the necessary skills and capabilities required in today’s world.

During the three years Hawwa spent at the university, the support and experiences gained from researchers helped her develop solid thinking and skills, as well as the techniques needed to become a competent teacher. As a result, she describes herself as continuing to serve the nation as a quality teacher to this day.

Currently in charge of running the Hithadhoo Campus of the Maldives National University, Hawwa’s greatest motivation comes from the sustainable culture the university has built to expand creativity in both academic and technical fields. She states that the Maldives National University is at the forefront of nation-building and training youth for the job market due to its culture of excellence, capability, and comprehensive work in preparing young people for life.

Therefore, Hawwa’s wish is that those seeking quality and modern education would choose the Maldives National University. May her ongoing work in nation-building be blessed.

Shahuma Abdussattar has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance from the Maldives National University starting in 2016, and has also completed a Master’s Degree in the same field.

Shahuma’s academic journey was one filled with challenges that required difficult decisions. However, her determination to continue her education was strengthened by the encouragement she received from university lecturers, family, and fellow students.

In Shahuma’s view, the support from the lecturers played a crucial role in her educational success. Furthermore, she believes that the education she received from the National University provided her with a strong foundation that shaped her thinking in the professional environment and propelled her forward.

Currently serving as the Deputy Director of the Revenue Section, Shahuma has held various positions in the accounting field. Her dedication to further strengthening the Revenue Section and the passion she demonstrates in her work highlight her determination and skillfulness.

Shahuma believes that to achieve one’s goals, it is essential to maintain unwavering determination, trust in Allah to overcome obstacles, have self-confidence, and persist in hard work. The National University takes pride in the services this graduate provides toward nation-building.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Hadi (Muhaimin) is a graduate who earned a Bachelor of Information Technology from the Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology at the Maldives National University (MNU), and later completed a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

Muhaimin believes that students embarking on an educational journey should possess patience, unwavering determination, and exemplary character. Throughout his educational pursuits, Muhaimin has consistently prioritized learning diverse knowledge and skills across various fields. He always approaches new learning opportunities with enthusiasm, believing that anything is achievable with determination and effort.

During his university years, what Muhaimin remembers most are the lessons from his professors and the discussions with his peers. These lessons and consultations broadened his perspective on life and prepared him for the professional environment. He faced the challenges of both academic and professional life by placing his trust in Allah and through his dedicated efforts. Additionally, he considers the encouragement and support from his family and friends as a significant driving force in achieving his educational goals.

Muhaimin began working at the university in 2012 and currently serves as the Director of the Procurement and Asset Management Department.

Throughout his 12 years in administrative work at the university, Muhaimin is recognized for his professional ethics, sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment to his responsibilities. These qualities stand as enduring testament to his education and experience at MNU.

This graduate is distinguished not only by his academic achievements but also by the quality of services and work he provides to the university community. The Maldives National University takes pride in Muhaimin’s contributions to nation-building.

Aishath Sabia Saeed (Sabia) is a graduate of the Maldives National University’s Faculty of Education, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from 2017 to 2020. Additionally, she completed her Master of Education in 2023.
During her educational journey, Sabia faced various challenges. She completed her final semester online during the COVID-19 pandemic with great determination. She also completed her final teaching practicum during this period by finding solutions to these challenges.
After completing her Bachelor’s degree, Sabia entered the professional world as an English Language and English Literature teacher at Billabong High International School.
One of the most notable aspects of her educational experience at MNU was the capable lecturers at the faculty. Sabia believes that lec that lecturers are the ones who bring students closest to their studies and enhance their learning experience. In this regard, the role of teachers is extremely important. She considers MNU’s lecturers to be highly knowledgeable in their subjects and capable of effectively imparting that knowledge to students. They go beyond just providing lecture notes and textbook information. They teach students how to independently research information and verify its its authenticity. They also create opportunities for creativity and sharing of ideas.
Sabia believes these learning experiences provide the greatest support for her teaching. She gained her teaching methodology and research skills for learning from MNU.
Sabia continues to volunteer for various MNU activities. She conducts workshop sessions for new MNU students. Additionally, she participated as a judge in the first English debate competition organized by MNUSU (MNU Student Union). Sabia takes pride in her contributions to the Maldives National University.

From a young age, Dr. Lawsha Mohammed nurtured a deep passion for learning and teaching. Her professional journey began at the former Maldives College of Higher Education, where she completed her Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary Biology and Mathematics) in 2007. Dr. Lawsha firmly believes that the institution, now proudly standing as the Maldives National University, has played a transformative role in nation-building. Many of her classmates have gone on to become distinguished professionals serving the country, a testament to the strong foundation provided by the University.

Dr. Lawsha reflects that her three years at MNU prepared her remarkably well for the responsibilities she carries today. The dedicated lecturers, the practical learning experiences, and the emphasis on academic rigor and professional work ethic shaped her into a capable educator and leader. She credits her teachers’ commitment to quality teaching and their insistence on high standards as the key reasons students of her cohort became competent, service-oriented individuals.

Today, Dr. Lawsha serves as the Manager of MNU Thinadhoo Campus, a role she leads with sincerity, gratitude, and unwavering dedication. She notes that the values, discipline, and teaching philosophy instilled by her lecturers continue to guide her daily work.

Dr. Lawsha proudly states that MNU remains her number one choice for quality education, an institution that shapes generations and leaves a lasting legacy. The Maldives National University is equally proud of her outstanding contributions to education and community development.

Arshad Ashraf reflects on his years at the Maldives National University as some of the most transformative experiences of his life. Studying at the Faculty of Education from 2013 to 2015 and later completing his Master of Arts in Social Policy, Arshad believes that education serves as a national pillar, shaping leaders who will contribute meaningfully to the country. He is proud to have been nurtured in such an environment and to now serve both the University and the nation.

Arshad highlights that MNU’s greatest strength lies in its qualified, experienced, and dedicated lecturers. He considers the guidance and mentorship he received from them invaluable, an influence he believes he can never fully repay. His time at MNU not only equipped him academically but also enriched him personally.

The Maldives National University Students’ Union (MNUSU) played a key role in strengthening Arshad’s sense of social responsibility. Through volunteer initiatives, charitable activities, and working alongside peers with diverse personalities, he developed confidence, empathy, and strong teamwork skills. His involvement in national relief efforts and community support activities began during his student days and continues today.

Arshad is proud to represent the Maldives National University and remains committed to contributing to the nation’s progress. The University, in turn, is proud of his dedication, service, and leadership.

Rahat Ismail began her journey at the Maldives National University in 2008, joining the then College of Higher Education as an Administrative Officer with a strong desire to serve the nation. Her work in the University’s student services department sparked a deeper interest in advancing her own education, an aspiration she later fulfilled by completing a Bachelor of Arts in Dhivehi Language from the Faculty of Arts in 2017.

Rahat believes that continuous learning enriches both personal growth and the workplace environment. Balancing full-time work, family responsibilities, and academic demands was challenging, yet she persevered through effective time management, careful planning, and the discipline to avoid last-minute pressures. She acknowledges the invaluable support of her lecturers, university leaders, colleagues, and family, all of whom encouraged her throughout her academic journey.

Today, Rahat serves as a Senior Administrative Officer at the MNU Business School. She is a strong advocate for higher education and firmly believes that the Maldives National University should be the first choice for every young person seeking to build a bright future. To her, MNU not only enriches students academically but also equips them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to shape their future.

The Maldives National University is proud of Rahat Ismail and her dedicated service to education and the nation.

NaZuwiyya Abdullah, affectionately known as Nazu, completed her Bachelor of Business and Marketing Management at the Maldives National University (MNU) between 2016 and 2019. She describes her experience at MNU as transformative, highlighting the University as a place rich with opportunity for students pursuing higher education.

Nazu recalls that her lecturers were not only highly qualified and knowledgeable, but also warm, supportive, and deeply committed to students’ success. “Every teacher felt like a friend,” she says, reflecting on the strong mentorship and close relationships built during her studies. She also values the University’s focus on practical learning, which gave her hands-on experience essential for academic and professional growth.

She praises MNU’s student services—from modern library facilities and fully equipped computer labs to Dhanaal support services, the student gym, and the canteen—describing them as essential parts of a holistic learning environment.

After graduation, Nazu joined the MNU team as a Senior Administrative Officer in the Student Administrative Services Department. She speaks fondly of the workplace culture at MNU, describing it as kind, collaborative, and “like a family.”

The knowledge and skills Nazu gained during her degree also helped her expand her online business, which has grown significantly in recent years. Today, she is proud of her contribution to national development and remains grateful for the strong foundation MNU provided.