Nigerian father and son Abdulwaheed and Sulaiman Badmus graduate on same day from Dundee university

FATHER and son Abdulwaheed and Sulaiman Badmus became the first Nigerian dad and offspring to graduate from university the same day in the UK after they both graduated from the University of Dundee this week.

Sulaiman Badmus, who graduated in Mechanical Engineering saw his father Abdulwaheed Badmus also bag a degree in Scottish Law from the same university. They follow in the footsteps of Sulamain’s sister, Mariam, who graduated from the university two years ago, while Abdulwaheed’s wife, Khadijat, is also due to finish her own degree in Scottish Law later this year.

According to Mr Sulaiman it was the friendliness of Scottish people that initially attracted the Badmus family from Ibadan in Nigeria to Scotland. He said: “Everything is wonderful about Dundee, we think it is marvellous. We were able to integrate so quickly into Scottish culture and feel much more involved here than anywhere else.”

Abdulwaheed added: “Dundee is an excellent example of inclusive education, it is laudable and something we, as graduates, should be proud of. Studying in Dundee is like a second chance.

"I will be 55-years-old next year and the university helped me to start a new career with a promising future. Dundee sets the pace for inclusive education for all, irrespective of family backgrounds and ethnic diversities and no matter who you are and where you are from, I think that Scottish education can help you become who you want to be.”

After graduating, Abdulwaheed said the family intends to continue to practice law in Scotland. He added: “We don’t just want to stay here in Scotland. We want to work here and run our own family law for and be ambassadors of the University. All of this wouldn’t have been possible without the university.”