Universitas Indonesia (UI) held the “2024 Degree Awarding Ceremony for Universitas Indonesia International Students,” for the first time ever on Tuesday, July 23, at the Makara Art Center UI. The pre-graduation event, titled “Unveiling Your Great Dreams,” a form of appreciation for international students, was attended by 61 students, consisting of 6 undergraduates and 55 master’s students.
The University Secretary of UI, dr. Agustin Kusumayati, M.Sc., Ph.D, conveyed his appreciation to all international students who have completed their studies at UI. According to her, education is the foundation that will shape their future careers. Through education, people will not only obtain knowledge and skills, but also character development and responsibility.
“The world keeps changing and the skills you developed during your studies at UI will become important in navigating this change, whether it’s technological development, social change, or new values that emerge. We hope that in the future, you will continue being an ambassador for our institution, contribute to the improvement of society, and make a positive impact wherever you are,” said dr. Agustin.
The Head of UI International Affairs Office, drg. Baiduri Widanarko, M.KKK, Ph.D, stated that the 61 international students graduating this year come from 23 countries. They are students from Zimbabwe (12 people), Pakistan (10 people), East Timor (8 people), the United Republic of Tanzania (5 people), and the Republic of Korea (3 people). Meanwhile, Nigeria, Malawi, India, Iran, and the Philippines each have 2 graduates, while Gambia, Mexico, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, Kenya, Madagascar, Yemen, Tajikistan, Myanmar, Fiji, Cambodia, and China each have 1 graduate. These international students studied at UI through independent cost schemes and scholarship schemes, namely the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship and the UI Degree Scholarship for International Students (UI GREAT) which are UI’s leading scholarship programs.
“The diversity of countries of origin of these graduates reflects the contribution, reputation, and appeal of UI as an international standard educational institution able to accommodate various cultural backgrounds and countries. The awarding ceremony is a form of appreciation for your success in finishing your studies at UI before coming back to your country. This academic journey at UI is the start of a shared commitment towards a brighter future,” said drg. Baiduri.
At the awarding ceremony, there were five graduates who achieved the best Cumulative Achievement Index (IPK). These five graduates were Eziefule Oluebube Magnificient from Nigeria (the Faculty of Medicine/FK, GPA 4.00); Iqra Kousar from Pakistan (FK, GPA 3.99); Muhammad Anns from Pakistan (School of Strategic and Global Studies, GPA 3.99); Omnia Amir Osman Abdelrazig from Sudan (FK, GPA 3.95); and Abdullah H.H. Hassan from Palestina (the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, GPA 3.86).
Eziefule, the achiever of the perfect GPA from FKUI, Eziefule, expressed his happiness over this achievement. He thanked the mentors and supervisors who guided him to reach the summa cumlaude predicate. “I am very grateful to my supervisor, my faculty, and Universitas Indonesia for the opportunity to study and receive this degree,” he said. He also shared a message for other students to keep working hard and to focus on the studies undertaken, as well as listen to the feedback of the mentors and supervisors.
During his studies at UI, in addition to his academic activities, he admitted that he was happy because he could explore various places in Indonesia and try foods that he thought were delicious. “I have visited Bali, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Bogor. My favorite food is rice and satay,” said Eziefule.
The 2024 Degree Awarding Ceremony for Universitas Indonesia International Students was attended by 17 delegates from 14 embassies of friendly nations, namely Cambodia, Tanzania, Mexico, Nigeria, Kenya, Fiji, Zimbabwe, Philippines, Iran, Republic of Korea, Yemen, Timor-Leste, India, and Pakistan. Also present at the event were representatives from the Directorate General of Immigration of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) and the Directorate of Institutions of the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia; Deans/Vice Deans of Faculties; and Directors and Heads of Units/Offices of UI along with their staff.
