At 81, grandfather of 35 earns PhD after mastering digital technology
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.
An 81-year-old Malaysian man, grandfather to 35 grandchildren, has earned a PhD despite numerous health issues and the need to learn digital technology. Dr Abdul Ghani Muhamad graduated today from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan's Bachok campus. His PhD in Sufism and Tariqa studies took four years to complete on schedule. Muhamad's main challenges included managing high blood pressure, prostate problems, nerve issues, eye surgeries, memory decline, and mastering computers.
His children and grandchildren provided motivation to finish his studies. Financial difficulties and family commitments previously delayed his academic goals. He retired as a religious teacher after his nine children grew up and started families. Muhamad, 79, plans to pursue another PhD in religious studies at UMK's Faculty of Language Studies and Human Development.
He was among 4,035 graduates celebrated at this year's convocation, which ran from today to Thursday and included eight sessions. As the oldest PhD graduate, Muhamad was joined at the Bachok ceremony by over 20 family members, including his children, in-laws, and grandchildren.
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