A mother has sparked reactions online after presenting her final-year son with a goat as a reward for completing his studies at the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State, without joining a cult group.

Chinyere surprised her son, Promise Okoro, during his department’s sign-out ceremony, walking towards him with the goat before embracing him. The unusual gift drew cheers from fellow students and was later captured in a video that went viral on social media.

Speaking to BBC News Pidgin on Monday, Chinyere said the gesture was her way of fulfilling a promise she made to her son before he left for school. She said she had told Promise to stay away from cultism, obey her instructions and complete his education without disappointing the family.

Chinyere said she could not afford to buy her son an expensive car, but wanted to give him something meaningful to show how proud she was of him.

“I don’t have money for a 4matic jeep, and I love that guy, my son. I said, let me buy this goat as a gift,” she said.

The mother disclosed that she paid N120,000 for the goat and was prepared to spend more to keep her promise. She said Promise had remained respectful to his family and others, while also pursuing his interest in football.

“I bought the goat for N120,000. I said even if it is N200,000, I will try my best to see that I come with that goat,” she said.

Promise said he initially had no idea why his coursemates were calling him after hearing them shout “say yes”. He thought they were celebrating an engagement ceremony before discovering that his mother had arrived with the goat.

The final-year student said he was surprised and emotional when he saw his mother and insisted he felt no embarrassment about the unusual gift.

“I came, happy and deeply emotional. I wasn’t ashamed. I was extremely happy,” he said, adding that he could not understand why he would be ashamed of his mother or her gesture.

The mother said she was also delighted by the students’ reaction as she walked towards her son with the goat. The video has since attracted widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians praising her for finding a memorable and unconventional way to celebrate her son’s academic achievement.