Fantastic four! Super siblings celebrate as they all graduate with Firsts on same day at University of Bolton

Four super siblings are celebrating success - graduating together with first class degrees from the University of Bolton.

Bilal, Umer, Hajra and Amina Naseer took to the stage at the University’s degree ceremony at the Albert Halls on Wednesday.

Afterwards, they said: “We feel incredibly proud and happy. Achieving a first-class degree is a big accomplishment on its own, but doing it together as siblings makes it even more special.

“It is a wonderful feeling to share this success and to know that all our hard work has paid off.

“We have supported each other throughout our studies, and graduating together is like a dream come true for all of us.”

Bilal, aged 28, Umer, 27, Hajra, 26, and Amina, 25, moved to the UK from Pakistan in 2018. All studied three-year Computing programmes, with Bilal and Umer specialising in cyber security.

They said: “Studying together was a unique and supportive experience. We were able to help each other with difficult topics, share resources, and keep each other motivated.

“Having siblings in the same university meant that we always had someone to discuss ideas with and seek advice from. It also made the challenges easier to handle, as we faced them together.

“Being in some of the same classes allowed us to collaborate on projects and assignments, which strengthened our bond and made the learning process more enjoyable.”

Keeping it firmly in the family, their sister, Mehnoor, aged 30, is also studying a Sport Rehabilitation degree course at the University of Bolton! She is due to graduate next year, having taken a year off while having a baby. She hopes to pursue a career as a sports therapist after she graduates.

Hajra said: “Our parents are overjoyed and extremely proud. They have sacrificed a lot to provide us with the best education and facilities. They always wanted to see us graduate, and now that we have, they are really happy. We want to say a big thank you to our mum and dad.”

Bilal and Umer now aim to work with top tech companies or government agencies to help protect against cyber threats.

Hajra and Amina, who studied computing, are looking to start careers in software development, data analytics or teaching.

They all said they had “thoroughly enjoyed studying at the University of Bolton.

“It has provided us with excellent resources and facilities that greatly supported our learning. The teachers were incredibly helpful and supportive, always ready to provide guidance whenever we needed it. Their knowledge and encouragement made a huge difference in our studies.

“We also appreciated the practical approach to learning, which gave us valuable hands-on experience. The friendly and inclusive environment at the university allowed us to make great friends and create many wonderful memories.”

The siblings also acknowledged their professors who they say they played an important role in their academic journey: Abdul Razak, Helen Martin, Tim Goddard, Mohammed Benmubarak, Shivang Shukla, Francis Morrissey, Naveed Islam, Adam Isherwood, Manor Ihsan, William Haddock, Thayer Hamid, Pradeep Sewage, and Andrew Holland from the computing department.

During the three ceremonies on Wednesday, students from the University’s Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies celebrated their achievements.

Pro Chancellor of the University and BBC journalist and Mastermind presenter Clive Myrie conferred degrees in the afternoon.

Clive told the audience of students and their friends and families: “As graduates of this great institution, you can be immensely proud to have arrived at this moment. We are delighted to have been a chapter in your wonderful story and we can’t wait to see what happens next.

“I wish you all the very best with your future endeavours. Once again, big yourselves up – congratulations!”

During the morning ceremony, Pro Chancellor Brett Warburton conferred the degrees. He also handed an honorary degree to Bolton woman Elisabeth Long, ​who started her career as a part-time station news assistant for BBC North West and then charted a wide-ranging professional journey across media, education and business.

Her career has includes roles as the Head of Press and Publicity at Warburtons bakeries and as the National External Moderator and Examiner for the ABC Awards' Accredited Suite of Counselling Qualifications. In 2011, Elisabeth co-founded 1point North-west Ltd, a provider of independent counselling and psychotherapy support in Bolton.