A University of Lagos (UNILAG) graduate, Maryam Agoro, has reportedly died just a day after celebrating her convocation, throwing the university community and social media users into mourning.
Agoro, a law graduate, was said to have passed away shortly after marking the academic milestone she had worked for over several years to achieve. News of her death surfaced on X on January 21, 2026, through a post by a user identified as Confidence Ufuoma (@plantcodesss), who shared an emotional tribute in her honour.
“You did your convocation yesterday, and today you’re no more. You deserve to be celebrated, and you will be. My sister, evidence was always rooting for you… I know you’re smiling from where you are because ‘UNILAG didn’t end you.’ You ended UNILAG, in joy,” the post read.
The message quickly drew widespread reactions from students, alumni, and members of the public who expressed shock, grief, and disbelief over the sudden loss.
Another user, @Coachchair007, offered prayers for the deceased and her family, writing, “May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her loved ones the fortitude to bear this great loss. Can’t believe I’m mourning Maryam when I’m supposed to be celebrating her. Allah knows best.”
Reflecting on the fragility of life, @Sharon2Eniola described the incident as heartbreaking. “Few people posted her when she convocated yesterday, but today she’s no more, and about 30 per cent of the school is posting her picture. May we not be celebrated in death. I can’t imagine the sorrow her family is in,” she wrote.
UNILAG held its 2024/2025 convocation ceremony on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the institution’s main campus, marking its 55th convocation. At the ceremony, degrees were awarded to 16,506 graduates, including 272 students who graduated with first-class honours.
The Faculty of Engineering recorded the highest number of first-class graduates with 89 students, while the Faculty of Law produced 321 graduates, including three first-class degree holders. The Faculty of Management Sciences graduated 1,163 students, with 180 earning first-class honours.
Maryam Agoro’s sudden death has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a season of celebration, reminding many of the fragile nature of life and the fleetingness of joy.
