The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
PROUD Day:
Pair pick up degrees in mechanical engineering and Scots Law
Dundee University held the first of its graduation ceremonies yesterday. Celebrating Fife woman Lizzie Day’s Fine Art degree are, from left, Robyn Davies, Lizzie, Phil and Lesley Day and, front, gran Ann Wood. Picture: Kim Cessford.
A father and son have made graduation a family affair with the pair set to pick up matching Dundee University degrees.
Sulaiman Badmus, who graduated yesterday in mechanical engineering, will see his father Abdulwaheed feel the tap of the Dundee bonnet as he graduates in Scots Law later today.
The pair follow in the footsteps of Sulamain’s sister Mariam, who graduated from the university two years ago.
Meanwhile, Abdulwaheed’s wife Khadijat, who will watch the ceremony, is due to finish her own degree in Scots Law later this year.
Sulamain said the friendliness of Scottish people initially attracted the Badmus family from Ibadan in Nigeria to Scotland. He said: “Everything is wonderful about Dundee. We think it is marvellous. We were able to integrate so quickly into Scottish culture and feel much more involved here than anywhere else.”
Abdulwaheed said : “Dundee is an excellent example of inclusive education, it is laudable and something we, as graduates, should be proud of.
“Studying in Dundee is like a second chance. I will be 55 next year and the university helped me to start a new career with a promising future.”
After graduating, Abdulwaheed says the family intends to continue to practise law in Scotland.
He said: “We don’t just want to stay here in Scotland. We want to work here and run our own family law firm and be ambassadors of the university.”
Meanwhile, applied computing graduate Joe Davis is thanking his lucky stars after landing his dream job at one of the world’s top gaming companies.
Joe, from Inverness, admits a role at Grand Theft Auto developer Rockstar Games did not look likely after he left school with one higher.
He later attended college but it was only after taking opportunities made available through the university that he felt confident enough to apply.
Joe said: “My course and the opportunities I’ve had here in Dundee, such as working at the Students’ Union, helped me develop more skills alongside my studies.”
Around 3,000 students are expected to graduate this week, with V&A Dundee architect Kengo Kuma and Snow Patrol singer Gary Lightbody picking up honorary degrees.