Forty-eight students, including a gold medalist, received their degrees and certificates from the event's chief guest, Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad.

Silima Nanda, director of IGNOU's international division, and Professor Motilal Koul, director of IGNOU's school education, congratulated Riaz Mulla, director of educational consulting and guidance services, on receiving IGNOU's best partner institute award from 38 countries.

"Never give up your aspirations," the ambassador told students and urged them to pursue education throughout their lives.

Mulla said IGNOU Saudi Arabia, which started with 65 students in 2004, today has more than 2,500 students enrolled on various courses. Mulla and Shahnaz Patel, director of IGNOU Saudi Arabia, presented mementos to the ambassador.