Mohiba Ahmed, who has been chosen as a Falak Sufi Scholar for the upcoming academic year, shared her story in a thread on Twitter.
“I couldn’t afford to pursue a masters in my own country. The only university I could afford was my alma mater GCU, where I taught for two years. I was rejected for enrolment in an MPhil program just because I was a vocal student rights activist.”
She added that it was “painful and hard to get here. I know I will make the best of this scholarship because I recognise completely that getting here has still been a privilege that many can’t afford, and that is exactly why our country needs student unions and activists who understand politics.”
https://twitter.com/mohibaahmed/status/1432825430525026307?s=20
Mohiba Ahmed shot to viral fame ahead of Student Solidarity March in 2019, when a video of her along with other student activists chanting slogans to raise awareness for the march caught the attention of thousands of people across Pakistan and India. The video was widely shared on social media and brought media focus towards the student march. Activists organizing the march were demanding restoration of student unions.
https://twitter.com/ShirazHassan/status/1196102270317928450?s=20
Mohiba was seen leading the Student Solidarity March after the video went viral and has become a prominent face of student activism in the country.
News of her receiving the scholarship was warmly welcomed on social media.
Ammar Ali Jan, a professor who taught Mohiba at GCU wrote, “We will always be proud of all you have achieved. I hope someday our own universities will start celebrating talent rather than fearing it. Best of luck on your new journey!”
https://twitter.com/noorejazch/status/1432937048059617280?s=20