The overall best graduating student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Olugbenga Oladepo, is scheduled to meet President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, April 28. This meeting follows his national recognition for academic excellence and his public appreciation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which drew varied reactions online.
Meeting Details and Confirmation
The meeting will also include the university’s Vice-Chancellor, according to the Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr. He explained that both he and the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, have already reached out to congratulate the student ahead of the visit. “He is coming to us alongside the university’s Vice-Chancellor on Tuesday, and we will also take him to the President,” Sawyerr said, as disclosed by DevReporting.
Oladepo's Academic Achievement and Background
Oladepo graduated with a remarkable Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.89 out of 5.0 in Electronics and Electrical Engineering, earning him the title of LAUTECH’s best graduating student for the 2025/2026 academic session. His story drew public attention not only because of his outstanding result but also due to his humble background. He disclosed that he grew up in a rural area in Osun State, where there was no electricity for about nine years. He also shared that his family could not afford private schooling, so he attended public schools and often walked long distances to class while his parents struggled to support the home.
Gratitude and Backlash
After his graduation, Oladepo publicly thanked NELFUND for supporting his education, saying, “Your loans made it possible.” NELFUND responded with praise, calling his achievement inspiring and noting that they were proud to support his journey. However, while many Nigerians celebrated his success and generosity of spirit, others criticized him for praising a government loan scheme, arguing that it should not be celebrated as charity or favor.
In response to the debate, Oladepo clarified his position. He explained that his gratitude was based on lived experience and the role financial support played in his education journey. He said that for him, NELFUND was not just helpful but essential in reaching his academic success.
NELFUND Denies Suspension of Student Loan Scheme
In a related development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) dismissed viral claims alleging it suspended student loan disbursements. It further described the circulating notice as false and misleading. The agency clarified that the student loan programme remains fully active and urged students and the public to ignore fake reports and rely only on its official communication channels for verified updates. NELFUND also announced fresh disbursements to the Federal University of Lafia and Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, reaffirming that the scheme continues nationwide support for eligible students across institutions.
