Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
What should have been a matriculation ceremony temporarily turned out to be an engagement ceremony when a student who newly gained admission into the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and sets for matriculation proposed to a fellow new in-take during the institution’s matriculation.
A video of the unusual proposal, which has since gone viral on social media, captured the male student going down on one knee shortly after the conclusion of the formal proceedings.
In the footage, the young man is seen presenting a ring to the female student, who was dressed in the university’s official matriculation purple gown.
This scenario caught the attention of other students as they were taken aback.
The lady, visibly overwhelmed by the surprise gesture, accepted the proposal amid loud applause and chants from students who have gathered outside the ceremonial venue.
The spontaneous act briefly took the attention of the students away from the academic solemnity of the event, which formally ushered thousands of newly intakes into the university for the 2025/2026 academic session.
The video has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with many social media users applauding the courage of the young man and describing the moment as memorable, while others raised concerns about the timing of such a gesture during an official academic ceremony.
As of the time of filing this report, the management of the University of Benin had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The matriculation ceremony, held annually, marks the formal admission of fresh students into the university and serves as an important academic tradition.
