UNILAG Graduate Mourns Coursemate's Tragic Death Following Convocation Ceremony
A recent graduate from the University of Lagos has shared a heartbreaking story about the loss of a fellow student just one day after their convocation ceremony. The emotional incident has drawn widespread attention on social media platforms, highlighting the fragility of life even during moments of academic achievement.
Graduate Reveals Final Conversation Before Tragic Loss
Amah ThankGod, a University of Lagos graduate, took to TikTok to mourn the passing of his coursemate, Maryam Agoro. The young woman died on January 21, 2026, just twenty-four hours after the university's convocation ceremony for 2024/2025 graduates held on January 20, 2026. In his emotional post, ThankGod shared screenshots of what appears to be Maryam's final conversation with another classmate.
The screenshots reveal that Maryam expressed a strong desire to attend the convocation ceremony but was unable to do so due to health concerns. This poignant detail has added to the tragedy of her passing, as she missed what should have been a celebratory milestone in her academic journey.
Social Media Reactions Pour In for Deceased Student
The TikTok post quickly gained traction online, with numerous users expressing their condolences and sharing memories of the deceased student. ThankGod's caption accompanying the screenshots read: "We had our convocation on the 20th and lost one of our coursemate the following morning. She died the next day, morning. I stumbled upon her last chat with one of us and even after doing convocation shoot."
He continued with heartfelt praise for his late coursemate: "I'm just speechless! If you know her, you know she isn't the troublesome one. Her smile is charming and her heart is large! She's a beautiful human. Shortly after congratulations, we get to only have you in our memories for now. Rest in peace Baby lawyer!"
Online Community Expresses Grief and Solidarity
The comment section of the post became a virtual memorial as friends and strangers alike shared their reactions:
- Girliesimdi commented: "Chaiiii she just had to hold on till after the convocation even if she wouldn't attend but the thought and posting that day too... Sad how she died on 21th my convocation which I didn't wanna attend due to stress of it while someone wished she could go but was sick... this life is deep... RIP"
- FINGER LICKS remembered: "She's known for her caring and soft heart, always showing up. I got to know her from AIESEC."
- _oreoluwadamilola shared: "omo I met her in camp just this last December, she was a very nice lady"
- Tima offered prayers: "May her soul rest in peace, may Allah grant her jannah firdaus and keep her family going"
Other commenters including NONI EXCEPTIONAL KITCHEN, Ivanna, Phoenix, ENIOLAOLUWA, and Chibuike Precious all expressed similar sentiments of shock, grief, and prayers for the deceased student's soul.
Broader Context of Academic Achievement and Struggle
This tragic story emerges amidst numerous narratives about academic journeys at Nigerian universities. While many students celebrate overcoming financial and academic challenges to graduate, Maryam's story serves as a sobering reminder of how health issues can tragically interrupt these achievements. The University of Lagos convocation ceremony marked the culmination of years of study for thousands of graduates, making the timing of this loss particularly poignant for the academic community.
The incident has sparked conversations about student health, the pressures of academic life, and the importance of cherishing moments of celebration. As graduates across Nigeria navigate post-university life, stories like these highlight the human experiences behind academic statistics and institutional ceremonies.
