By AfrikTimes interviewed Ayomide Balogun, a first-class graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), who went viral in early 2026 after a video of his convocation celebration garnered over 800,000 views across various social media platforms. Balogun, a graduate of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, captured public attention when he performed Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuuu” celebration on stage during UNILAG’s 56th convocation ceremony, moments after his first-class degree was announced. The energetic display, inspired by the football star, sparked widespread reactions online.
1. Please can you introduce yourself to us? What is your full name?
Ayomide David BALOGUN
2. What course did you study at the University of Lagos, and what inspired your choice of course?
Mass Communication. It was law initially but I was one point away from law. But here I am in mass communication. Enjoying the course and the moment because It’s my lifestyle.
3. Can you tell us about your academic journey at UNILAG, especially your experience graduating with a First Class degree?
The academic journey started with a vision and it was clearly stated that First class is what I want. I started with a G.p of 4.41 and I was pained and that took me back to the vision board and started doing what I am supposed to do. Although, there were times, I was tired because of repeated activities like reading, writing notes.
4. What were the major challenges you faced during your time as a student, both academically and personally, and how were you able to overcome them?
Yes academically, I was on 4.4 in my first year in 200 level as Direct Entry also times were you will be expecting an A but you will get a B. I overcame them by being conscious of myself in the exam hall, understand the lecturer way of marking, listening attentively to possible exam questions as the lecturer do give out when lecturing.
5. Your convocation celebration, where you did the famous “Siuuu” celebration, went viral on social media. What inspired that moment, and how did you feel when you realized it had gained so much attention?
Well, I have been doing suiiii since when I was in Mowe , and in fact when I contested for MCSA ( mass communication student association) pageantry for MR AND MISS MASS COM. It was my entry style . But then on that day , my friends were like ‘’ Prof you have to do this siuuuuuu’’. So going there after kneeling down and prostrating, my friends had their camera on and like that I did it with all energy I had it my heart. I felt untop of the work when the people started talking about it because I was all over people WhatsApp status. I had been looking for this online community until that day. It happened at the right time just I was leaving school into the world of reality. I’m grateful because people just see and want to identify with me.
6. What important lessons did university life teach you that you believe will be useful as you move into the next phase of your life?
Resilience, that ability to adapt to stress , work under pressure. Honestly school will teach you that. Is it the log of assignments, is it the simultaneous group assignments with crazy deadlines?
7. Now that you have graduated, what are your immediate plans? What is next for you?
Now I am open to internship, job opportunities. I want to grow more in the industry. Like I’m in need of internships . I don’t just want to be known. I want it to come with opportunities. And later NYSC and masters. I just want to continue learning.
8. What kind of jobs or career paths are you looking to embark on, and which industries interest you the most?
Brand manager/ communications , corporate communications etc especially with corporate companies like advertising agencies, banks ( fintech companies) (traditional banks), oil and gas, energy sector.
9. Where do you see yourself in the next five years, both professionally and personally?
In 5 years time, professionally I see myself already starting my PHD, also grow myself in my career as brand / corporate communicator and personally, I see my self gaining new levels in my walk with God and growing into the best version of myself.
10. What advice would you give to current university students who aspire to graduate with excellent academic results like yours?
I’m a winner. See yourself wining. Enter into exam hall with a mindset of either I get A or I get A. Even though you get B. Stand up and fight because he that endure to the end will be saved.
