The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) today, Tuesday, April 30, 2026 held a Recognition Ceremony at its headquarters to honour Mr. Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga, the Overall Best Graduating Student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).
Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga graduated with First Class Honours and a CGPA of 4.89/5.0. in Electronic and Electrical Engineering.
Hailing from a modest family in Osun State, Oladepo overcame significant hardships, including studying without electricity for nine years and walking miles to public schools.
Oladepo gained national attention after publicly crediting the NELFUND interest-free loan for making his tertiary education possible.
He described the fund as instrumental, not incidental to his success, highlighting its role in removing financial barriers.
Following his viral testimony, he was reportedly set to receive further national recognition, including a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
The 18th convocation ceremony (April 16–23, 2026) saw 10,223 graduates, with 137 earning First Class honours, with additional top performers including Augustine Ayorinde Oreoluwa, also an Engineering graduate with a 4.61 CGPA, who similarly praised NELFUND as a lifesaver during the same period.
Officials at the Fund described the recognition as part of a broader commitment to reward excellence and encourage a culture of merit within the country’s tertiary education system.
They noted that initiatives such as this are intended not only to celebrate individual achievement but also to inspire other students to strive for academic distinction.
The ceremony also served as a platform to highlight the Fund’s mission of improving access to education through financial support mechanisms, while fostering an environment where excellence is identified and rewarded.
Observers say the gesture signals a growing emphasis on merit-based recognition within Nigeria’s education sector, as institutions and agencies seek to elevate standards and motivate the next generation of scholars.
LAUTECH confirmed the disbursement of over ₦1.4 billion from NELFUND in 2025 to support its students.
