Caleb Oladepo Olugbenga, he 2026 Overall Best Graduating Student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, has been making the rounds on social media after his graduation post gratitude included NELFUND in it.
The post caused a stir online as many netizens believed that the NELFUND is only a reflection of bad governance and dysfuctional educational system while some believe that he was only looking for attention and clicks.
The NELFUND is an education initiative introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for students in higher institutions of learning. The scheme enables students to borrow loans under certain conditions to pay school fees.
ENigeria Newspaper has compiled some key facts about Caleb Oladepo Olugbenga, the 2026 Overall Best Graduating Student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, whose inspiring story of academic success through NELFUND has drawn national attention.
Facts about Caleb Oladepo Olugbenga
He emerged best among top First Class graduates
Caleb Oladepo graduated as the overall best student at LAUTECH 18th convocation, standing out among 137 First Class graduates with an exceptional academic record.
He had a humble background
He was raised in a modest family in Osun State and attended only public primary and secondary schools because his family could not afford private education.
He grew up without basic amenities
For nearly a decade before university, Caleb Oladepo lived without electricity or access to basic comforts, relying on lanterns and candles while pursuing his education
He struggled through university with financial hardship
During his five-year engineering programme, he faced difficulty affording food, clothing, and study materials, relying on support from kind individuals and lecturers.
NELFUND played a crucial role in his success
Olugbenga credited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as instrumental to completing his degree, stating that the support helped him stay in school despite financial challenges.
His appreciation sparked mixed reactions
His public acknowledgment of government support drew both praise and criticism online, but he defended his position, saying, “to acknowledge what helped one’s journey is simply an act of appreciation.”
Tinubu to confer national honour on him
Impressed by his story and academic achievement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to confer a national honour on Caleb Oladepo, with a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
