The Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) has successfully concluded Riveli 2026, an academic competition organised by postgraduate students at its Centre for Postgraduate Studies.

Held at IUM on Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, the event was first introduced in 2023. It aims to encourage research among students and help postgraduate researchers prepare for proposal defences and thesis vivas.

The competition featured two categories: Proposal Pitch, with six participants, and Three-Minute Thesis, with three participants. Students from Villa College also took part in the event, which was open to students from other universities and colleges.

In the Three-Minute Thesis category, IUM PhD in Education student Khadeeja Mohamed Sameer won first place, followed by Zaina Ahmed Hameed of Villa College and IUM student Fathimath Nazifa Ahmed.

In the Proposal Pitch category, IUM PhD in Management and Leadership student Ahmed Zaki secured first place. Mariyam Shua Hameed, a student of IUM’s Master of Research and Publication programme, placed second, while Asma Ismail, an MBA student, came third.

Winners in both categories received MVR 5,000 for first place, MVR 2,500 for second and MVR 1,000 for third.

The event also featured audience-participation academic quizzes and a research, innovation and motivation session, during which Dr Aishath Aleena shared her academic journey with students.