Abdul Samad makes it at last

Hospital worker Abdul Samad Moosa has finally passed his high school exams at the age of 42 - on his 17th attempt.

With single-minded persistence and a drive to succeed, the UAE national refused to be disheartened by the perennial "FAIL" mark that dogged his academic life.

Yesterday, he was overjoyed at winning the diploma that eluded him year after year - and which most students gain at the age of 17 or 18."Thank God I made it this year and won my diploma." said Abdul Samad.

Currently working at Al Baraha Hospital in Dubai, Abdul Samad, a father of five, said: "I consider passing English as the most important achievement of my life. I failed in this subject 17 times, and although I had to try for my diploma again due to math, I am happy to have got rid of English."

Attributing his success to hard work and sincere efforts, he added: "I prepared thoroughly for it and studied for almost three months and joined an institution."

Abdul Samad said he intends to join Higher Colleges of Technology or Ajman University for his higher education.

"I like technology, and I want to specialise in the Information Technology field." he said.

"I was one of the top students in school. I had a serious car accident in 1985, which affected my performance," he explained. "Another reason for my past failures is my job and family, as I cannot focus on lessons after my job in the morning."