The Nigerian student who was deported before sitting his Leaving Certificate has returned to Dublin in triumph with the Irish flag draped around his shoulders.

Olukunle Elukanlo, 20, was hoisted into the air by classmates at Dublin Airport and carried to a waiting minibus.

"I thank all my friends and my mates at school and all the parents, as well as the Minister for Justice, for bringing me back," he said.

Mr Elukanlo said he was very happy to be back and was determined to do his Leaving Certificate exams in June at his school, Palmerstown Community College.

"I'm staying forever. I'm not going anywhere," he said.

The 20-year-old was deported to Nigeria two weeks ago in his school uniform along with a group of 34 other Nigerians.

Following a public outcry the Minster for Justice Michael McDowell said the student was never meant to be deported before taking his Leaving Certificate and reversed his decision.

Sinead Byrne, a 17-year-old 5th Year student at Palmerstown said the whole school was delighted with the decision. "It's not many politicians who can admit they are wrong though we're all pro-McDowell," she said.

Mr Elukanlo friends are to hold a welcome back party for him in the Spa Hotel in Lucan in Dublin tomorrow.

He was taken to stay with friends in Palmerstown tonight amid loud cheers from his classmates and supporters.