GENGGAM IJAZAH PADA USIA 74 TAHUN

Genggam ijazah pada usia 74 tahun

AB. HAMID (kanan) menunjukkan ijazah yang diterimanya kepada Abdul Barit pada majlis Konvokesyen USM ke-44 di George Town semalam.

GEORGE TOWN – Seorang warga emas berusia 74 tahun membuktikan bahawa umur bukan penghalang kepadanya untuk mencapai kejayaan dalam akademik apabila menerima Ijazah Sarjana Muda Pengajian Kemanusiaan pada majlis Konvokesyen Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) ke-44 di sini semalam.

Pada majlis itu, Ab. Hamid Yunos yang berasal dari Melaka turut mencatat rekod baharu bagi USM apabila pertama kali menganugerahkan ijazah kepada graduan berusia lebih 70 tahun.

Menurut datuk kepada lima cucu itu, keinginannya untuk belajar adalah kerana tidak mendapat peluang sedemikian ketika usia muda apabila berkhidmat dengan tentera selepas tamat sekolah pada 1954 sehinggalah bersara.

Dia yang menyambung pengajian di USM menerusi Skim Warga Emas tiga tahun lalu secara sepenuh masa juga aktif berpersatuan dan dilantik sebagai penasihat jurulatih Pasukan Latihan Pegawai Simpanan (Palapes).

“Dua cabaran yang saya hadapi sepanjang pengajian iaitu untuk menguasai bahasa Melayu standard dan mempelajari bahasa Inggeris kerana saya hanya bersekolah aliran Melayu yang berbeza sukatan pelajarannya.

“Mujurlah rakan-rakan sekuliah sudi membantu, di samping para pensyarah yang tidak jemu-jemu memberi galakan,” ujarnya yang bersara daripada perkhidmatan Tentera Darat dengan pangkat Pegawai Waran 1 pada 1980.

Sebelum ini, Ab. Hamid merupakan pelajar diploma di Universiti Malaya, Nilam Puri, Kelantan dalam bidang syariah.

Seorang lagi graduan warga emas yang menerima ijazah pada majlis sama ialah Abdul Barit Abdul Kader, 56, yang bertugas sebagai Pegawai Sumber Manusia di Penang Port Sdn. Bhd.

Bapa kepada enam anak dan empat cucu itu menamatkan pengajian dalam bidang pengajian Sains Sosial.

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Age no barrier for elderly grads

GEORGE TOWN: At the age of 79, many will slow down and spend their time with their family members.

But not retiree Musa Jaafar. He has just received his degree in Social Science from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

Musa, who is believed to be one of the oldest graduates in the country, now wants to pursue a master's degree in the same field, if his health permits.

Retiree Musa Jaafar, 79, comforting his two-year-old grandson Mohd Dhiyaudin Rosli after becoming the oldest graduate at Universiti Sains Malaysia’s 44th convocation in Penang. About 50 members of Musa’s family were at the graduation, including his six-month-old great granddaughter Alia Al Zahara Mohd Addin Aazif (on his lap).

“Even though I have nine children, 40 grandchildren and one great grandchild, I feel age is no barrier to self-improvement,” he said after receiving his scroll at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra yesterday.

“I have sent all my children to universities.

“Only now I have the time to pursue what I like,” he added.

Musa, a former Felda manager, said he studied six hours a day for the examinations.

“I used to study in the late hours of the night as I found it to be very peaceful and quiet.

“I pursued a distance learning programme following advice since I had health problems,” he said.

Musa, who was Kedah Sportsman of the Year in 1980, said his active involvement in sports during his younger days had helped keep his mind sharp for studies.

“I used to be an athlete and played rugby, football and hockey.

“It helped me to build strong self-discipline,” he said.

Musa also claimed to be a childhood friend of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Good job: Ab Hamid (right) congratulating Abdul Barit during the 44th USM Convocation ceremony in Penang yesterday.

“We grew up together in Alor Setar as our parents were also friends.

“I met him a few years ago.

“ I was overjoyed that he remembered me,” Musa said.

About 50 members of Musa's family were present at the university to see him receive his scroll.

For ex-army warrant officer Ab Hamid Yunos, 74, receiving his degree in Humanities was not the end of the road for him.

“I am going to continue with my Masters degree in Al-Qur'an and Al-Hadith in Universiti Malaya,” Ab Hamid said.

“Age is no barrier for me.

“As long as my health is good, you will find me in the pursuit of knowledge,” he said.

Penang Port Sdn Bhd manager Abdul Barit Abdul Kadir, 56, was in a jubilant mood after receiving his degree in Social Science.

“For many years, the thought of obtaining a degree has been in my mind. It is a wonderful feeling to finally see it materialise,” he said.