Promise Okoro, a 23-year-old pharmaceutical technology student, was surprised by his mother, Chinyere, with a goat as a graduation gift after his final exams earlier this month. The moment, captured on video, quickly spread online, attracting thousands of reactions.
Chinyere travelled for over an hour from her farming community of Ubaha-Eze to the Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Imo state, bringing the goat with her. She stated that while she had hoped to buy her son a Mercedes-Benz SUV, the goat, purchased for 120,000 naira (£66), was her way of showing pride and appreciation.
Promise, who described himself as emotional and happy, plans to keep the goat as a pet and companion, with intentions to breed it. He noted that the animal enjoys fried rice and has become a local celebrity, accompanying him on walks and car rides.
Promise aims to contribute to Nigeria's health system, despite many health professionals leaving the country. Completing his studies is a significant achievement, as Nigeria's tertiary education completion rate is 11.3 out of every 100 people.