Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
22 minutes ago
EIT Auckland valedictorian Muddassar Khot has always believed that education has no age limit.
At 42, he has now graduated with a Master of Information Technology, having balanced work, fatherhood, and student leadership along the way.
He crossed the stage as one of EIT Auckland’s two valedictorians at a graduation ceremony at the Aotea Centre today (Tuesday, March 25).
“It’s a huge privilege,” he says. “I wasn’t always the top student, but I’ve always aimed high. I believe if you’re not updated, you’ll be outdated. That’s what kept me going.”
Originally from India, Muddassar worked in Qatar in the education sector and nearly secured an IT director role in the Middle East. But when the final decision went to someone with a Western qualification, he was motivated to study abroad.
That goal took time.
“It took me five years to start the process,” he says. “Initially the plan was for my wife Shaheen to study first and then I would, however, she decided not to and then pushed me to study.”
He arrived in New Zealand in 2020 to study a Postgraduate Diploma in IT and immediately felt supported at EIT.
“During lockdown, we were isolated. But EIT acted like family. Cherie and the team organised virtual coffee mornings, moved learning online almost overnight, and made sure no one was left behind.”
He describes EIT’s culture as one of genuine care.
“The professors were incredible. They always answered my questions with a smile, even the silly ones. They never made me feel like just a student, but like a friend. That kind of support makes all the difference.”
He returned to EIT in 2023 to pursue his master’s degree—while working as Lead Networks and Systems Engineer at The IT Team.
He also juggled study with life at home, where he and Shaheen raise their three children, aged 2, 9, and 13. Their youngest was born during his studies, making the balancing act even more challenging.
“It was intense. But my wife and kids were understanding, and I couldn’t have done it without my family’s support.”
Muddassar also served as chairperson of the Student Association and helped organise trips and student support during lockdown.
“Leadership is something I value deeply. Being a leader means feeling the pain of your team and doing what you can to help.”
Looking ahead, Muddassar hopes to pursue a PhD and eventually become an entrepreneur.
He also dreams of opening a not-for-profit organisation for people with visual impairments, inspired by his grandmother and father’s struggles with sight.
“It’s my mother’s dream too,” he says. “If you can help someone, you should. Education is a treasure that never dies—and through it, we can all help build a better world.”
