The Faculty of Islamic Studies (FAI) at the University of Muhammadiyah North Sumatra (UMSU) held a graduation ceremony for 159 graduates of the 2024/2025 academic year. The graduates were officially conferred their degrees on Wednesday (2/7) at the UMSU Auditorium on Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan.
The graduates came from four programmes: Islamic Education (PAI) with 97 graduates, Early Childhood Islamic Education (PIAUD) with 8 graduates, Sharia Business Management (MBS) with 31 graduates, and Sharia Banking with 23 graduates.
The event was held with solemnity, attended by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FAI) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qorib, M.Pd, the deputy deans, programme heads, the Director of Ma’had Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah Medan, Fajar Hasan Mursyid, Lc., MA., the Secretary of Kopertais Region IX North Sumatra, Dr. Syawaluddin Nasution, M.Ag., and the participants.
UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, in his remarks, expressed pride in the achievements of FAI graduates. Even 11 students participating in various international programmes in Malaysia had the opportunity to undergo international teaching competency certification in Malaysia.
“All international programmes conducted and participated in by FAI UMSU have been successful; this is the recognition we have received. The Faculty of Islamic Studies at UMSU has received recognition in Malaysia,” he said.
He also commended the top graduate who delivered a speech in Arabic by offering a master’s degree scholarship at the UMSU Graduate School.
“Such potential must be nurtured; UMSU needs to cultivate its future leaders. I believe you have the potential, and if you wish to pursue a master’s degree, as Rector, I will provide a scholarship for your studies. This scholarship not only sharpens and deepens your knowledge but must also be passed on to your juniors across various faculties,” he said.
The UMSU Rector emphasised that competition among higher education institutions will become increasingly intense, and human resource development is crucial. The Faculty of Islamic Studies must develop a strategic plan.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qorib, M.A., delivered an important message urging graduates not to stop learning.
“This is the beginning of the true learning process. Master technologies like AI and IoT, but do not forget public ethics and noble character. Without that, a golden generation will not emerge,” he explained.
The Director of Ma’had Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah Medan, Fajar Hasan Mursyid, Lc., MA., also expressed pride and high hopes.
“UMSU has paved the way. I see great potential in all of you. In fact, insha’Allah, we can directly engage in online talaqqi with the imams of the Prophet’s Mosque,” he said optimistically.
Then, the Secretary of Kopertais Region IX North Sumatra, Dr. Syawaluddin Nasution, M.Ag., reminded everyone of the importance of gratitude and respecting one’s parents.
“This degree is not the end, but the beginning. Respect your mother, because this success is due to their prayers and efforts. Do not think about being unemployed, as only 10% of the population are university graduates, yet they refuse to go to remote areas,” he stressed while motivating the audience.
Finally, the representative of the outstanding graduates, Najiyullah Subhani Lubis, S.E., shared his reflections during his studies in Arabic. He stated that the university robe is not merely a campus uniform but a symbol of Islamic values.
“One thing is our determination to graduate, bringing pride to ourselves and being beneficial to society. We are about to graduate from an outstanding university in Indonesia, even in Southeast Asia,” he said.
He also thanked the UMSU Rector for his dedication and the outstanding accreditation, which is not just a symbol but the result of collective hard work.
“We will be alumni of UMSU, facing the real world. Let us uphold our alma mater and prove that UMSU alumni are not just theory but capable of implementation,” he said.
The event continued with the presentation of sashes to the top graduates from four programmes: Kreniti Sundari (FAI) with a GPA of 3.94, Indah Sekar Arum (PIAUD) with a GPA of 3.91, Najiyullah Subhani Lubis (MBS) with a GPA of 3.95, and Intan Nur Fadillah (Islamic Banking) with a GPA of 3.90.
