A trending video has captured the exciting and memorable moment a UNILAG first-class graduate celebrated in style by performing Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siu’ celebration after being handed his certificate during the university’s convocation ceremony.
The University of Lagos held its 56th convocation on Tuesday, 20th January 2025, awarding degrees and diplomas to a large cohort of students. A total of Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty-Five (5,665) students graduated across various faculties and programs, with several achieving notable academic distinctions.
First-Class Graduate Celebrates in Style
One young graduate, who had earned a first-class degree, decided to mark his remarkable academic achievement with a display of exuberance that quickly went viral online. In the video, he is seen approaching the stage, fully adorned in his convocation gown, to receive his certificate from the Vice Chancellor of the university.
Immediately after receiving his certificate, the graduate sprinted across the aisle to gain momentum before executing the now-famous ‘Siu’ celebration, popularized by football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The energetic move delighted attendees and quickly caught the attention of social media users, with the video being shared widely across various platforms.
Social Media Reacts
The celebratory stunt garnered a range of reactions from online viewers. Some offered words of encouragement and caution, acknowledging both the joy of graduation and the challenges of post-graduation life. For example, @Danjay_P7 commented: “My honest prayer is that he finds joy in job hunting — because that’s where reality hits hard. That’s where hope gets bruised, expectations get battered, and excuses die. Welcome to Nigeria, where theory ends and survival begins. I wish him luck.”
Another social media user, @TinoLoves2Code, shared: “Nigeria that kills dreams. I pray he has good people around him who would support him to go far. A friend of mine finished from OOU with first class from the Dept of Electrical Engineering; he was promised a lecturing job and master’s sponsorship, but they kept him waiting for years.”
Others celebrated the enthusiasm displayed by the graduate. @imariabe_jnr remarked: “I love the excitement and joy he expressed! I pray life favours him thereafter.”
The viral moment has since been viewed by thousands of people online, with many applauding the graduate for his creativity and zest, saying it symbolically captured the pride and excitement of achieving academic excellence. His gesture not only brought smiles to those present at the convocation but also sparked a conversation about how young Nigerians celebrate their achievements in unique and culturally resonant ways.
Watch the video below …
UNILAG first class student hits Ronaldo’s “Siuuu” celebration in front of the Vice Chancellor to celebrate his achievement. pic.twitter.com/sd8MAno65L
— Pulse Nigeria (@PulseNigeria247) January 20, 2026