World record holder Tobi Amusan led a wave of congratulatory messages as fellow Nigerian athlete Ezekiel Nathaniel celebrated his graduation from Baylor University in style, marking the end of a remarkable collegiate career both on and off the track, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 400m hurdler marked the milestone with excitement on social media on Sunday to share collages from his convocation ceremony, captioning his post, ?4 years well spent.?

The post quickly drew warm reactions from teammates, fans, and colleagues within the athletics community who hailed her for balancing academics with a demanding sports career.

World record holder in the women?s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, led the tributes, writing, ?Last slide Issa must, congratulations agba runner,? in reference to a black-and-white vintage photo of Nathaniel showcasing his wristwatch.

Fellow Nigerian quarter-miler Chidi Okezie added, ?Congratulations bro,? while African shot put record holder Chukwuebuka Enekwechi commented, ?Congrats, my boy.?

Discus thrower Obiageri Amaechi also joined in with a simple, ?Congratulations!?

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria, alongside coach Edidiog Udo, Badejo Emmanuel, and American Tokyo 2025 gold medallist Trayvon Bromell, were among many others who extended their goodwill messages to Nathaniel.

During his four-year stint at Baylor, Nathaniel became one of the most celebrated athletes in the university?s history, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and record-breaking performances.

In his final year, he was named the 2025 NCAA Division I Men?s Outdoor Track & Field National Track Athlete of the Year, capping a season that saw him dominate the collegiate circuit.

He was also shortlisted as one of three finalists for the prestigious Bowerman Award, the highest individual honour in American collegiate track and field, a first in Baylor?s history.

Nathaniel?s 2025 season was one of the finest ever recorded by a collegiate athlete. He won the NCAA title in the 400m hurdles in Eugene, Oregon, and ran four of the ten fastest times ever in NCAA history, a feat unmatched by any other athlete.

He also finished second in the indoor 400m at the NCAA Championships, missing the title by just one-hundredth of a second after clocking 45.44s.

His 44.74s performance at the Big 12 Indoor Championships ranked as the seventh-fastest indoor 400m in collegiate history and the fifth-fastest overall time across indoor and outdoor events that season.

Nathaniel ended his 2025 campaign with an 8?1 win-loss record in event finals against collegiate opponents, finishing unbeaten in the 400m hurdles outdoor.

After completing his collegiate career, Nathaniel turned professional and signed with Swiss sportswear brand On, continuing his fine form on the global stage. He featured prominently in the Diamond League, reaching multiple finals to consolidate his status as one of Africa?s brightest track prospects.

In 2025, Nathaniel set a new Nigerian national record in the men?s 400m hurdles for the sixth time at the World Championships, finishing fourth overall.

Nathaniel, who hails from Delta State, will next be honoured alongside other Bowerman Award finalists at the USTFCCCA Convention on December 18 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, where the 2025 Bowerman winner will be announced. (PUNCH)

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