The Rector of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), Akrim, who previously served as a teacher at SMK Muhammadiyah 9 Medan, distributed more than Rp77 million in assistance through the “Redeem Diplomas” program for 100 alumni of SMK Muhammadiyah 9 Medan from the graduating classes of 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. The program, funded entirely through personal donations, was held on Tuesday (May 12) at the school hall on Jalan Flamboyan Raya, Gang KH Ahmad Dahlan No. 22, Tanjung Selamat, Medan.
Principal of SMK Muhammadiyah 9 Medan, Fadhli Hazmi Arifin, expressed appreciation for Prof. Akrim’s social concern toward the families of alumni facing financial difficulties that prevented them from fulfilling their school obligations.
He revealed that around 300 alumni were still facing issues related to outstanding school administrative obligations.
“Thank you to Prof. Dr. Akrim Lubis, M.Pd for his concern for the 100 alumni of SMK Muhammadiyah 9 Medan. This program is truly extraordinary,” said Fadhli Hazmi Arifin, who is also an alumnus of the school.
Meanwhile, Akrim, who also serves as Treasurer of the Pimpinan Daerah Muhammadiyah Medan, explained that the program had been initiated since November 2025 and would be distributed gradually to 600 alumni from four Muhammadiyah schools in Medan.
He emphasized that the funding for the diploma redemption program did not come from any institution or organization.
“This diploma redemption assistance program is being implemented for the first time at SMK Muhammadiyah 9 Medan. I once taught at this school, and I am very happy to reunite with the big family of SMK Muhammadiyah 9 Medan,” he stated.
Similar programs will also be extended to alumni of SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Medan, SMP Muhammadiyah 8 Medan, and Madrasah Aliyah Muhammadiyah Medan.
“Our intention is to ease the burden on the community. We are moved to carry out this social movement,” he added.
Prof. Akrim further explained that the program also reflects the teachings of Ahmad Dahlan, emphasizing that Muhammadiyah must always be present in supporting society under any circumstances.
“Muhammadiyah, as an Islamic da’wah movement promoting good and preventing wrongdoing, must play an active role in social movements. The challenges we face are becoming increasingly difficult. We pray that the alumni can continue their education and achieve a brighter future. Vocational school graduates are graduates who are ready to enter the workforce,” he said.
Secretary of Pimpinan Daerah Muhammadiyah Medan, Ibrahim Nainggolan, and Chairman of Dikdasmen PDM Medan Ali Nurdin also expressed appreciation for the implementation of the diploma redemption program benefiting alumni from four Muhammadiyah schools in Medan.
