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University of Kent graduation announcer ‘nails’ 38-syllable name at Canterbury ceremony in viral TikTok video

A video showing a university student with a 38-syllable name receiving his degree at graduation has gone viral after the announcer “nailed” the tricky readout.

Boluwatife Oluwasemilore Oluwadamiloa Oyekunle Ayanfeoluwa Emmanuel Michael Oladele – aka Bolu – graduated from the University of Kent last week.

The clip of Bolu collecting his degree from the University of Kent in Canterbury has been viewed over a million times. Photo: The University of Kent
The clip of Bolu collecting his degree from the University of Kent in Canterbury has been viewed over a million times. Photo: The University of Kent

But as he picked up his Computer Science degree on stage, supporters applauded not only the student but also the master of ceremony for his impressive pronunciation of the young man’s name.

Maths professor Ben Cosh confidently tackled the 38-syllable showstopper in front of a packed Canterbury Cathedral, stopping midway through for the briefest of breathers.

In a TikTok video now viewed more than a million times, Bolu can be seen walking across the stage as the crowd and the announcer’s voice crescendo with excitement.

The university captioned the clip: “And the record for the longest graduation name at a University of Kent graduation goes to….”

@universityofkent And the record for the longest graduation name at a University of Kent graduation goes to…. #UniKent #Grads #Graduation #University #Classof2023 #trending ♬ original sound - University of Kent

In the video’s comments, congratulations are split between the student and the “top tier” presenter.

"Proud proud of the graduate and announcer,” remarked one user.

“Presenter is top tier, he nailed it,” added another.

“Congratulations, this is so cute,” said one more.

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