JOHOR BARU, Oct 17 — For the first time in its history, University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) will award posthumous degrees to the next-of-kin of graduates who completed more than 80 per cent of the courses in its upcoming convocation ceremony.

UTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Wahid Omar said the award was the university’s way of honouring the contribution and services given by the students during their studies at the university.

"It is an honour we are giving them through their next-of-kin,” he told a press conference in conjunction with the UTM 57th Convocation ceremony at his office here today.

One of the recipients for this special award is Bashir Yahaya, 42, a Nigerian who was pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering but died of heart attack on October 10, last year.

Two other recipients are Faculty of Management (Accounting) Bachelor Degree student, Fatin Farah Wahhida Azahar, 24, from Batu Pahat, and Faculty of Management (Human Resources Development) Bachelor’s Degree student, Mohd Shafiq Ellmal Abdul Shukor, 26, from Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi.

Both died in separate accidents on April 26 this year.

The 57th convocation ceremony from Oct 22 to Oct 25 will see 5,467 graduates receive their awards. There are 362 PhD recipients; 873 (Master’s degree); 2,533 (Bachelor’s degree) and 733 (Diploma).

There are also 966 recipients of Bachelor’s degree and Diploma awards via UTM’s collaboration with private institutions.

UTM Chancellor, Permaisuri of Johor Raja Zarith Sofia Sultan Idris Shah is expected to present awards to 362 recipients of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). — Bernama