Being in hospital during exams is no problem for Salford graduate

Laila at graduation

Having to spend a month in hospital during exams is enough to knock any student off their stride, but not Laila Naqvi who took them in her ward and graduated on Friday with a first class degree.

The BSc Business Information Systems student was struck down with an infection throughout her final year which meant that she spent a week in hospital in February and a further month on a ward in May - right in the middle of her exams.

However, with support from her tutors she was able to sit two exams in a room in the hospital, with a University member of staff invigilating the exam. After she was allowed home from hospital she had just two weeks to finish her dissertation, which she managed to do.

All of Laila's hard work paid off though, and on Friday (22 July) she graduated at the Lowry on Salford Quays alongside her classmates. She will also receive a first degree - the highest classification available.

Laila has lived in Manchester for the last ten years and has already found herself a job at online marketing company I-COM in Manchester.

She said: "The university tutors have been very supportive and provided me with all the help possible to make the best of my abilities. Despite all the struggle and unfortunate circumstances I have achieved my goal and got a first class degree. I wouldn't have done this without the help of family, tutors and doctors thus want to say thank you."

Laila's tutor Dr Maria Kutar said: "Laila has always been a dedicated and hard working student, and when she fell ill during her final year we wanted to ensure that she would still be able to fulfil her potential. She was determined to finish her assessments on time to enable her to graduate with her fellow students and take up the job that she had been offered. We helped her to sit her exams, by invigilating for her whilst she was in hospital, and ensured that she got as much support as possible.

"We are very proud that despite a very difficult year, she is graduating with a first class degree."