UNAIR NEWS – Applause filled the Airlangga Convention Center during the 264th Graduation Ceremony of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), on Saturday (October 10, 2026). The Rector of UNAIR, Prof Dr Madyan SE MSi MFin, directly awarded a master’s program scholarship to one of the graduate representatives.
He is Muhammad Afandi, a graduate from English Language and Literature Study Program, Faculty of Humanities (FIB). Achieving cum laude honors, a son of a boiled banana vendor proved that economic limitations are not a barrier to achieving excellence.
Not a boundary to dream
As the first child in his family who successfully achieved a bachelor’s degree, Afandi expressed that this achievement is the result of his long struggle and sincere prayers from his parents. To him, the Bachelor of Humanities degree he achieved today is essentially inscribed in the name of his parents.
“Thank you to UNAIR for proving to us that economic limitations should not be a boundary for someone to dream and pursue higher education. Today, I bring home the proof that my parents’ prayers and struggles were never in vain,” he said.
Afandi emphasized the importance of having the courage to determine one’s life path. He advised all graduates never to give up in pursuing their dreams. “We may not be able to choose where we start, but we can always choose how far we will go,” Afandi emphasized.
Surprise on graduation stage
This graduation moment became even more special once the UNAIR Rector, Prof Dr Madyan SE MSi MFin, greeted Afandi directly on the stage. During a brief dialogue, Afandi shared his family’s struggle in Surabaya, where his mother strives to sell boiled bananas to support their livelihood.
When asked about his future plans, Afandi expressed his desire to pursue a master’s degree in his beloved alma mater. Without any hesitation, the UNAIR Rector directly granted a scholarship for further studies in front of all graduates.
“On behalf of Universitas Airlangga, we grant a scholarship to Muhammad Afandi to take a master’s program. May your studies run smoothly,” said the Professor of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), which was greeted with thunderous applause.
Author: Muhammad Yasir Dharmawan D
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
