BACHOK: An 81-year-old grandfather of 35 has earned a PhD despite health challenges and the need to master computers and digital technology during his studies.
Dr Abdul Ghani Muhamad graduated at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan’s (UMK) convocation ceremony today.
Ghani completed his PhD in Sufism and Tariqa studies in four years, on schedule.
He said his main challenge had been managing several health conditions, including high blood pressure, prostate problems and nerve-related issues.
“I also underwent two eye surgeries during my studies and faced age-related challenges, including declining memory.
“I also had to learn to use digital technology and computers, but my children and grandchildren motivated me to complete my studies,” he said when met at UMK’s 16th convocation ceremony at Dewan Tuanku Canselor, Bachok campus.
Ghani said he pursued a PhD to fulfil a youthful ambition of entering university and attaining the highest level of academic qualification.
Financial constraints and family commitments had forced him to put that ambition on hold. He only had the opportunity to pursue further studies after his nine children had grown up and started families, and after he had retired as a religious teacher.
The husband of Che Norma Che Ismail, 79, who lives in Bukit Marak, said he was keen to pursue another PhD in religious studies at UMK’s Faculty of Language Studies and Human Development.
Ghani was among 4,035 graduates being celebrated at this year’s convocation, which comprises eight sessions running from today until Thursday.
As UMK’s oldest PhD graduate, he was joined at the ceremony in Bachok by more than 20 family members, including his children, in-laws and grandchildren.