Four siblings celebrate graduating together with first-class degrees

Four siblings celebrated success as they graduated together with first-class degrees from the borough’s university.

Bilal, Umer, Hajra and Amina Naseer took to the stage at the University of Bolton’s degree ceremony at the Albert Halls on Wednesday.

Bilal, aged 28, Umer, 27, Hajra, 26, and Amina, 25, moved to the UK from Pakistan in 2018.

All studied three-year computing programmes, with Bilal and Umer specialising in cyber security.

They said: “Studying together was a unique and supportive experience. We were able to help each other with difficult topics, share resources, and keep each other motivated.

Having siblings in the same university meant that we always had someone to discuss ideas with and seek advice from. It also made the challenges easier to handle, as we faced them together.

Being in some of the same classes allowed us to collaborate on projects and assignments, which strengthened our bond and made the learning process more enjoyable.”

Keeping it firmly in the family, their sister, Mehnoor, aged 30, is also studying a Sport Rehabilitation degree course at the University of Bolton.

She is due to graduate next year, having taken a year off while having a baby. She hopes to pursue a career as a sports therapist after she graduates.

Hajra said: “Our parents are overjoyed and extremely proud. They have sacrificed a lot to provide us with the best education and facilities. They always wanted to see us graduate, and now that we have, they are really happy. We want to say a big thank you to our mum and dad.”

During the three ceremonies on Wednesday, students from the University’s Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies celebrated their achievements.

Pro-Chancellor of the University and BBC journalist and Mastermind presenter Clive Myrie conferred degrees in the afternoon.

He told the audience of students and their friends and families: “As graduates of this great institution, you can be immensely proud to have arrived at this moment. We are delighted to have been a chapter in your wonderful story and we can’t wait to see what happens next.

I wish you all the very best with your future endeavours. Once again, big yourselves up – congratulations!”