RismadarVoice Reporters, April 24, 2026
The best graduating student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga, has attributed his academic excellence to financial support received through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the initiative as instrumental to his success.
The graduate, who emerged top of his class in the institution’s most recent convocation, said the federal government-backed student loan scheme enabled him to remain in school and focus on his studies despite economic challenges.
Olugbenga graduated from the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and finished as the overall best student with a cumulative grade point average of 4.89.
While his result drew widespread praise, it was his public acknowledgement of support from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) that ignited debate.
“I’m honoured to let you know that I am the Best Graduating Student of LAUTECH. Your loans made it possible,” he wrote on X, tagging the fund.
According to him, access to the loan eased the burden of tuition and living expenses, allowing him to concentrate fully on achieving academic excellence throughout his programme.
NELFUND, introduced by the Federal Government to improve access to higher education, provides interest-free loans to eligible students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The scheme is designed to reduce financial barriers and expand opportunities for indigent students.
The LAUTECH graduate’s remarks come amid growing public discussions about the impact of the student loan programme on higher education accessibility in the country.
University authorities have also continued to highlight the importance of financial support systems in sustaining student performance, especially as institutions grapple with rising enrolment and funding pressures.
