The convocation also witnessed the award of PhD degrees to four graduates and 58 first-batch graduates from eight programmes.

I must thank OUM for giving me the chance to study. The fee discount for senior citizen was a great help and it should be a great motivation for others to put on their learning cap.

OUM sentiasa menawarkan laluan alternatif kepada pelbagai lapisan masyarakat untuk mendapatkan pendidikan tinggi yang berkualiti.

"Sebenarnya untuk sambung belajar adalah impian saya bersama mendiang suami saya yang meninggal dunia pada tahun 2006. Jadi, saya mengambil keputusan untuk belajar seorang diri setahun kemudian selepas kematiannya dengan sokongan serta dorongan anak-anak," katanya kepada Bernama.

Gasim also spoke of his added resolve to help Maldivians gain more higher education opportunities in order to make their lives and those of their families a more prosperous one.

Hauser received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education while Qasim received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Entrepreneurship from Chancellor Tun Jeanne Abdullah.

OUM was his choice because the university had a branch near his hometown and it provided facilities for the disabled which allowed him to move about conveniently. The staff at OUM were cheerful and helpful, and Mohd Shamsul found it a pure joy to pursue his master's at OUM. His future plans include going back into market in a role which accomodates his physical condition.

"Terbukti, kekuatan OUM terletak pada kepelbagaian bidang pengajiannya dari teknologi maklumat dan kejuruteraan kepada sastera dan teknologi.

Ketika nama Sarmini diumumkan, dia menerima tepukan paling gemuruh dan membuat kami sangat bangga dan terharu dengan keberhasilannya hari ini," kata Tan seperti dikutip www.bernama.com.

"The Master in Education has helped me to understand and appreciate that each student has a unique learning ability and brings in different learning experiences to the classroom."