Home Minister Ali Ihusaan and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Iruthisham Adam are under fire over allegations that their doctoral qualifications may be fraudulent. According to her public profile, Adam claims that she holds a PhD in International Studies with Distinction from the European International University (EIU) in Paris, as well as a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership with Higher Distinction from California Metropolitan University (CMU), earned in 2022.

The legitimacy of both institutions has been called into question. EIU, based in Paris, has been accused of selling unaccredited PhD certificates. The university is said to operate from a small office managed by an Indian team. Screenshots shared on the social media platform X show unprofessional responses from EIU representatives, allegedly sent to Maldivians who inquired about purchasing PhD certificates to test the institution’s credibility.

Similarly, CMU is also suspected of questionable operations, though no clear link between the two entities has been established.

An EIU delegation reportedly visited the Maldives to promote its PhD programmes, with prices set at €10,000. Among the alleged recipients is Home Minister Ihusaan, who briefly used the title “Dr” before dropping it amid public backlash over the degree’s authenticity. Graduation photos of Ihusaan, taken at a ceremony in a Maldivian resort with fewer than 15 to 20 attendees, have circulated widely online.

EIU’s website describes its qualification as a Professional Doctorate (PD), awarded through Validation des Acquis de l’Expérience (VAE), a process recognising prior learning and experience. Academics argue this does not meet the standards of a traditional Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

Despite the controversy, Adam continues to use the “Dr” title in her social media profiles and official correspondence. The President’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs initially referred to her as “Dr,” but the President’s Office has since removed the honourific from her profile following public criticism. As of this publication, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Maldives High Commission to the UK still list her with the title on their websites.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.