FAISALABAD: A student who topped the MBA department of the Government College University, Faisalabad, had to abandon his studies twice because of financial constraints.

Irfan Hassan, of Nankana Sahib, was awarded a gold medal at the convocation of the university. Soon he wore the medal, Hassan came to his mother, Ameeran Bibi, and kissed her feet.

Overwhelmed at the success of her son, Ameeran hugged him. She said though she was illiterate, she knew the importance of education and wanted to see her son get higher education.

She, with her small cloth shop, and her husband Abdul Aziz’s meager income, suffered a lot to bear the expenses of Hassan’s education.

Hassan told Dawn first he gave up studies in matriculation for financial issues. He remained out of school for one year but his mother pushed him to take examination. He had to quit education once he passed matriculation for one year. He worked in a factory as labourer to earn money for admission to college as his father’s wages, who is a mason, were quite unpredictable.

He passed the intermediate examination but instead of going to the university, he started a job in a factory in Bhai Phero. A monthly income of Rs3,500 helped him save money and get admission to the MBA.

He said he wanted to obtain a doctorate in business administration but he lacked resources. He said for the time being he would study for competitive examinations.

Presently, he is working as a data entry operator with the Lahore Development Authority.

Up to 74 candidates of MA, MSc, BA, BSc and BCom were graced with gold medal, 73 with silver medal and 70 with bronze medals. Up to 23 scholars were conferred upon PhD degrees in the convocation.

Published in Dawn, September 30th , 2014