The National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has honoured Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga, the best graduating student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), during a special recognition event held at its headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, April 30. The ceremony celebrated his outstanding academic achievements and served as a testament to the agency's commitment to supporting educational excellence in Nigeria.
NELFUND Celebrates Academic Excellence
NELFUND shared photos from the event on its official X account, describing the recognition as a celebration of academic excellence. The agency wrote: "NELFUND proudly celebrates excellence and honors Mr. Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga, Best Graduating Student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, at a Recognition Ceremony held today at the Fund's Headquarters." The ceremony highlighted Oladepo's remarkable academic record, which saw him graduate with a cumulative grade point average of 4.89 in Electronic and Electrical Engineering.
Oladepo emerged as the top student among 7,641 graduates from LAUTECH. The university also recorded 137 First Class students in the graduating set, underscoring the high level of academic performance across the institution.
Graduate's Reaction and Inspiring Message
In his reaction, Oladepo took to X to encourage Nigerian students to remain focused on their studies. He wrote: "#educationisnotscam. To every Nigerian student who believes in and actively pursues academic excellence, this stands as clear proof that you too can achieve it, and I hope this serves as an inspiration!" He shared that he had informed his parents in Ejigbo, Osun State, about his achievement less than a month earlier. He also reflected on the public reaction that followed: "Less than a month ago in Ejigbo, I informed my parents of my emergence as the overall best graduating student of my institution from a 4.31 GPA in 100 level. A week ago, amid the ensuing backlash, I was met with an outpouring of appreciation from Nigerians far beyond my expectations. From Ejigbo, Osun State, and now to the dawn of something greater."
Oladepo had earlier linked his success to the NELFUND student loan scheme introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating in a previous X post: "I'm honored… Your loans made it possible."
Broader Impact of NELFUND Initiative
The recognition event underscores the role of NELFUND in facilitating access to education for Nigerian students. The agency's student loan programme has been instrumental in helping students like Oladepo achieve their academic goals. In a related development, Osun APC governorship candidate Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji donated ₦1 million to Oladepo at LAUTECH's 18th convocation in Ogbomosho, further demonstrating support for youth achievement and the positive impact of the NELFUND initiative on educational progress across Nigerian universities.
Previously, Legit.ng reported that another LAUTECH graduate, Agbalaya Jubril, who worked as a cement carrier to fund his education, graduated with a first-class degree and top academic honours. He achieved a 4.86 CGPA and emerged among the best students in his faculty, crediting discipline and resilience for his success.
