A University of Ibadan pharmacy student, Will John Flourish, recently made headlines for his unusual full name.
The 400-level student caught public attention after celebrating his double award win at a school event on X (formerly Twitter).
His tweet went viral, with some netizens joking that adding a question mark would make his name a complete sentence, while others suggested rearranging it into a positive affirmation—John Will Flourish.
https://twitter.com/FlourishWill/status/1894835744805458218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1894835744805458218%7Ctwgr%5E47fd76a75739fbf2c2548ec99a3dfba83b2545dc%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.intelregion.com%2Fentertainment%2Fwill-john-flourish-viral-university-of-ibadan-student-with-unusual-full-name-discloses-why-his-parents-named-him-such%2F
However, some questioned how he came to have such a name. In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, the 22-year-old shared his story.
Viral University of Ibadan student’s educational background
John revealed to Legit.ng that his surname is Will, with Flourish as his middle name. Originally from Osun State, the Abuja-born mixologist also discussed his educational background.
“My full name is Will John Flourish.
“Surname is Will, first name is John and Flourish is my other name, I was born in Abuja, attended a primary school (I don’t recall the name) there up till primary 3.
“When we moved to Ibadan, I got enrolled in the Staff School, University of Ibadan, to continue my primary education. I was the head boy in primary 6.
“I attended secondary school at Yinbol College Orogun, Ibadan, where I was the social prefect in SS3. I’m currently a 400 level pharmacy student of the University of Ibadan.”
Will John Flourish reacts to his name
Reflecting on when he first understood the uniqueness of his name, Will John Flourish shared that he only realized it sounded like a question after starting university. He told Legit.ng:
“As hard as it might be to believe, I actually only realized my name sounded like a question when I got into university.
“And as regards feelings, it sort of came as a way to constantly ensure I’m always on my feet making sure the answer to that question is a “Yes” and well here we are, everyday it’s looking more and more that the answer would be a definite YES.”
Why his parents gave him unusual name
When asked by Legit.ng about the story behind his unique name or his parents’ reason for choosing it, John responded;
“There’s actually no backstory. “It’s more or less a very honest coincidence. “My dad changed his surname to Will. “But if there was one (backstory) I’d say they wanted a name that would garner attention for their son, only that it took 22 years, jokes on them 😂🖤.”
Will John Flourish recounts unforgettable encounter
Legit.ng asked the mixologist if his unique name had ever influenced opportunities or favors. The Osun native confirmed that it had never denied him any chance. He recalled how his name actually made his National Identification Number (NIN) registration process smoother.
“As far as I know, I don’t think I’ve ever been denied any opportunity because of my name, but people have always taken a liking to me because of my name.
“I remember sometime ago, I wanted to have my NIN registration done. Naturally, It was supposed to take me a while before I could get it all done, but the woman in charge expedited the whole process because, according to her, she liked my name.”
John rejected suggestions to rearrange his name into a positive affirmation, stating that he would instead embrace the challenge it presents.
“And to those asking me to rearrange my name, I’d say I understand where they’re coming from and their POV but I wouldn’t be rearranging it. “It did cross my mind to do that when I realized it, but we wouldn’t even be having this interview if I had done that. So, instead I’ll stand up to the challenge of the “question” and actually prove that “John Will Flourish.”
The former baker continues to work as a mixologist and hopes to start his own business if he secures the necessary funding.