Oladepo Caleb: Meet LAUTECH best graduating student with 4.89 CGPA who got NELUND loan for his academics
A bright and ambitious young man, Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga has achieved outstanding academic success, emerging as the overall best graduating student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), a state-owned
A bright and ambitious young man, Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga has achieved outstanding academic success, emerging as the overall best graduating student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), a state-owned university.
Caleb's journey began with a clear vision: to excel academically and make a meaningful impact in his chosen field of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. From his first day at the university, he displayed an unmatched work ethic and a sharp analytical mind.
His relentless pursuit of excellence earned him a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering with an exceptional 4.89/5.00 CGPA, a feat that placed him among the institution’s finest.
His academic achievements were complemented by an impressive array of awards. His performance stood out among thousands of graduates celebrated at the university’s 18th convocation ceremony in Ogbomoso, Oyo State on Wednesday, April 22.
In a post shared on (X) formerly Twitter, Oladepo revealed that financial support played a crucial role in his journey. He credited the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for providing the assistance he needed to stay in school and complete his degree.
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According to him, the loan significantly eased the burden of tuition and upkeep, allowing him to focus on his academics.
The NELFUND initiative came as a relief to students (State and Federal) and also brought relief to parents. NELFUND isn’t paying just only school fees; they’re also giving prompt monthly stipends to bolster students' morale.
NELFUND is one of the initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. The initiative stands to reduce the number of out-of-school students, improve access to quality education, and avert an institutional strike.
Coming from a humble background, Caleb knew the odds against him, but NELFUND made Caleb’s dream possible. Accessing the funds reduces his struggles to pay school fees, mitigates low performance, and also bolsters his grades.
In his appreciation message, he said: "Amid the flood of felicitations following my convocation as Overall Best Graduating Student of LAUTECH, I find it necessary to address the stir around my NELFUND appreciation post. I accept the praise, life changing offers and the backlash, in good faith. Still, it is only fair to set the record straight.
"I hail from a village in Osun State, raised in a modest family of five. I attended public primary and secondary schools, not by choice, but because even the most inexpensive private schools were beyond our means.
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"Even then, survival itself; food and clothing was a daily struggle. I walked miles to school each morning, while my parents laboured as jacks-of-all-trades to make ends meet.
"For nine defining years before I entered university, we lived within sight of basic amenities yet beyond our reach, no electricity, no television; just lanterns and candles. Against these odds, I earned a scholarship and now this distinction.
"In my third year, a coursemate’s father, someone I had once tutored academically, gifted me my first smartphone which I am still using till now. On several occasions, lecturers, moved by quiet compassion, provided me with clothing. There are many other instances, too numerous to recount.
"So, I say this plainly, 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.
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"As an engineering student aspiring to make academic history, should I resort myself to blaming my family’s financial situation for my inability to afford fees and essentials like a reliable smartphone or laptop needed for skills and certifications?
"For me personally, NELFUND was not incidental; it was instrumental and to acknowledge what helped one’s journey is neither propaganda nor misplaced allegiance. It is simply an act of appreciation.
"Thank you @NELFUND and everyone that contributed to this success!"
Caleb’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and purpose. His journey at LAUTECH is a testament to the power of hard work and a reminder that excellence is achievable with the right mindset and dedication.
