The state-run Arabiyya School has appointed prominent academic Mohamed Shujau as principal, replacing the office’s former holder after his scandalous resignation.

Shujau is native to Dharavandhoo island of Baa Atoll, an eco-life zone known for its manta rays and whale sharks. He went on to acquire a degree in science and education before also attaining a master’s degree in educational administration and management at the Malaysia University of Science and Technology.

Shujau is currently enrolled in a doctoral degree program at the International Islamic University in Malaysia, and had previously served several positions at Maldives’ own Islamic University.

Shujau is replacing the school’s former head Nasrullah Musthafa. Musthafa is facing criminal allegations of fraud and forgery and had been arrested late last November.

While he was released within a day, Musthafa is facing charges of having scammed four individuals into believing they were receiving services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, from a licensed group.

Prosecutors allege that the sheikh had forged documents and fraudulently stamped them under Sisilfaru Hajj and Umra Group, a group with modest reputation. 

Arabiyya School is the first public school with an Islam-based syllabus and teaches first and secondary grades, and was first opened in 1987.