Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga, who grew up in a rural community in Osun State without electricity for nearly a decade, has emerged as the overall best graduating engineering student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), with a CGPA of 4.89.
Olugbenga, a graduate of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, was formally recognised by the university for the 2024/2025 academic session, marking a remarkable academic journey shaped by resilience and external support.
Reflecting on his background, the graduate recounted years of deprivation, noting that his family relied on lanterns and candles due to the absence of electricity and struggled to meet basic needs.
“I hail from a village in Osun State, raised in a modest family of five… even survival itself — food and clothing — was a daily struggle,” he wrote.
He added that he attended public schools throughout his early education because private schooling was beyond his family’s means, often walking long distances to attend classes while his parents worked multiple jobs.
Olugbenga attributed a significant part of his success to the support he received through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said played a decisive role in sustaining his university education.
“I’m honoured to let you know that I am the Best Graduating Student of LAUTECH. Your loans made it possible,” he stated in a post that drew widespread public attention.
While some critics questioned his public acknowledgment of the loan scheme, Olugbenga defended his position, insisting that recognising support systems is both honest and necessary.
“For me personally, NELFUND was not incidental; it was instrumental. To acknowledge what helped one’s journey is neither propaganda nor misplaced allegiance. It is simply an act of appreciation,” he said.
He also highlighted other forms of support he received along the way, including a smartphone gifted by a coursemate’s father and occasional assistance from lecturers.
“Not all of us are born with a silver spoon. Some of us climbed the ladder by holding on to every rung of legitimate support we could find,” he added.
NELFUND, in its response, described his achievement as a reflection of the programme’s intended impact. “Your achievement is truly inspiring, and we’re proud to have played a part in your journey. This is exactly the impact we strive for,” the fund stated.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga also cited the development as evidence of the policy’s objective to expand access to higher education for students from low-income backgrounds.
Data from LAUTECH indicate that over ₦1.4 billion in student loans was disbursed to its students in 2025, although many beneficiaries are still awaiting full payments.
Established following the enactment of the student loan scheme in 2024, NELFUND provides interest-free loans to students in public tertiary institutions, with repayment structured to begin after graduation and employment.
As debates continue over the implementation of the scheme, Olugbenga’s story has added a human dimension to policy discussions on educational access, equity, and the role of financial support in academic success.
“Greatness awaits all of us,” he wrote.
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