Retired Teacher, Daughter Share PhD Moment At UiTM 104th Convocation

SHAH ALAM, May 6 (Bernama) -- A retired teacher shared a proud and unforgettable convocation moment with his eldest daughter when both received their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees at the 104th Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Convocation Ceremony today.

Dr Jafni Ghazali and Dr Nurul Huda Jafni, PhD graduates in Business Management, had enrolled in different semesters in 2021, never expecting to complete their studies at the same time.

Jafri, 60, a former Principal of the Transkrian Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in Nibong Tebal, Penang, said juggling his research work with his duties as an educator was the most challenging part of his PhD journey.

He said the pressure intensified as the submission deadline for his research report drew near, while he continued to struggle with his own determination to complete the programme.

“As a school principal, the long working hours were tough. After I retired, I found myself questioning whether to carry on with my studies.

“I admit that pursuing a PhD is not easy and it is something you have to go through on your own. But I am lucky to have my daughter sharing this journey with me,” he said when met at the ceremony at the Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor (DATC), UiTM, today.

Meanwhile, Nurul Huda, 29, expressed gratitude for being able to pursue her doctoral studies alongside her father, who had previously shared his ambition to pursue a PhD.

She said the convocation was even more meaningful as it marked her first experience of attending a graduation ceremony, having missed her Bachelor’s degree convocation at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) due to pursuing further studies in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Nurul Huda said she was once again unable to attend her Master’s graduation ceremony at the University of Manchester due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

“I was so happy to graduate with my father. Although we started in the same year, we weren’t sure we would finish together because a PhD is such a long journey.

“However, after our research reports were accepted, and despite our vivas being a week apart, we eventually graduated together. It felt really special wearing the same robe and sitting next to each other in the hall,” said Nurul Huda, who works as a regional communications specialist in Kulim, Kedah.

A total of 25,336 graduates are expected to receive their diploma and degree scrolls in various fields at the convocation ceremony, scheduled from May 6 to 23.

-- BERNAMA