It has been proven again and again that age is no barrier to learning. The desire to acquire and improve oneself academically is contingent upon one’s commitment and perseverance. At the recent convocation ceremony of graduates from the Malaysian Open University (Perak), two very senior citizens earned their bachelor degrees majoring in Islamic Studies and Islamic Management.
Kamaruddin Uda Menun, 83, a former staff of the state Islamic Affairs Department, was beaming with joy when met during a high tea organised for them by the university at a leading hotel in Ipoh recently.
“I don’t have much difficulty in studying and following the weekend classes, as they were structured for working and matured students like me,” he told Ipoh Echo. “My major handicap, however, was my poor knowledge of computers. But the university staff, fellow students and my family members did plenty to overcome this setback.”
The octogenarian obtained a CGPA score of 2.4; sufficiently good for someone of his age. The other oldie was Thamrin Abd Shukor, 70, a former teacher. Thamrin too majored in Islamic Studies and Islamic Management scoring a CGPA of 3.15.
“The achievements of these two veterans should be an example for others to emulate,” said guest of honour, Dato’ Rusnah Kassim, the Executive Councillor for Women’s Affairs, Welfare and National Integration. “No matter what, never be hampered by age. If there’s a will there’ll always be a way.”
The duo could well be Ipoh’s oldest graduates to date.
Luqman
