I walked miles to school, used NELFUND loan to emerge LAUTECH’s best student — First-class graduate

At The Punch, we celebrate the remarkable achievement of Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga, who has defied immense odds to become the overall best graduating engineering student at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, hard work, and the transformative potential of education, even in the face of profound adversity.

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I’m honoured to let you know that I am the Best Graduating Student of LAUTECH. Your loans made it possible.

Olugbenga's journey from a village in Osun State, where his family relied on lanterns and candles for nine years due to a lack of electricity, to academic excellence is nothing short of inspiring. His daily walk of miles to school, while his parents juggled multiple jobs, highlights a dedication that transcends material comfort. This narrative is particularly resonant in Nigeria, where access to quality education is often a significant challenge for many.

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Congratulations, Caleb! 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. Empowering students to excel.

The ensuing discussion surrounding his public acknowledgment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) underscores a complex societal dynamic. While some lauded his transparency and gratitude, others questioned the public nature of his thanks, viewing it through a political lens. However, as Olugbenga himself clarified, his intention was to set the record straight and acknowledge the support that made his academic pursuit a reality. This highlights a uniquely Nigerian discourse where personal achievements are often intertwined with national conversations about governance and social welfare programs.

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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.

His story, amplified by NELFUND's own proud response, serves as a beacon of hope. It demonstrates that with determination and the right support systems, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. We at The Punch are proud to share this story, which not only highlights an individual triumph but also sparks important conversations about educational access and the impact of government initiatives.

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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. 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.