Graduand presents unusual gift to University

The University of Queensland's T.C. Beirne School of Law has acquired a pharaoh, thanks to one of its graduating students.

Mahmoud Ibrahim who graduates as bachelor of laws on May 18 at a Mayne Hall, St Lucia, ceremony at 6pm has presented the School with a life-size papyrus of the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen for display in the Law Library.

Mr Ibrahim, of Taigum, graduated from the Cairo Police Academy with a bachelor of law and police science in 1981 and worked in branches of the Egyptian Police for 11 years, including duties as a police prosecutor and detective. After developing expertise in the French legal system which is practised in Egypt, he decided to learn about the English legal system.

Mr Ibrahim was encouraged by his Italian-born Australian wife Ayesha to visit Australia in 1992, when he applied to study at the University of Queensland. First he had to master the English language, so he spent one year training at the Institute of Continuing and TESOL Education.

For the past five years he has worked 16-18 hour days, attending morning classes at University, then working as a security officer for Chubb Security Australia, before returning home for another study session.

Mr Ibrahim, who learned four languages, also passed exams to become a Justice of the Peace (Qualified).

'This is a great university and I am so proud to have studied here,' Mr Ibrahim said.

'There is a very high standard of teaching, and it is a very good place to study. I have received special assistance from staff, as well as my wife and friends.

'I purchased the papyrus on my last trip to Egypt to thank the University for all it has done for me, and for my personal development.'

Mr Ibrahim hopes to practise in the area of commercial international law after admission as a solicitor in November.

Head of the T.C. Beirne School of Law Dr Suri Ratnapala said Mr Ibrahim's gift symbolised the School's growing international links. He said the School's undergraduate and postgraduate programs including the master of comparative law degree were gaining recognition in the non-common law countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

For further information, contact Mr Ibrahim, telephone 07 3216 5887.