LAUTECH Best Graduating Student credits Tinubu’s NELFUND loan for 4.89 CGPA success
LAUTECH best graduating student praises NELFUND loan support. Image Credit: YhungProf0/X
The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has spotlighted academic excellence after its best graduating student, Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga, attributed his outstanding success to the NELFUND student loan scheme introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Graduating with an impressive CGPA of 4.89 in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Olugbenga emerged as the overall best student during LAUTECH’s 18th convocation ceremony held in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. His story has quickly become a national talking point, highlighting the growing impact of Nigeria’s student loan and education funding reforms.
NELFUND Loan Scheme: The Financial Lifeline Behind Academic Excellence
Olugbenga openly credited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for easing his academic journey, stating that without the intervention, completing his education would have been significantly more difficult.
NELFUND, a Federal Government initiative, provides interest-free student loans to support tuition fees and living expenses for Nigerian students in tertiary institutions.
His statement has strengthened public attention on how education financing in Nigeria is evolving, especially for students from low- and middle-income backgrounds who often struggle with tuition payments and academic stability.
LAUTECH Convocation 2026: Strong Academic Performance Across Faculties
The convocation ceremony recorded a total of 7,641 graduating students, with 137 First Class graduates, showing strong academic performance across departments.
Key highlights include:
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences produced 28 First Class graduates
- Agricultural Science and Renewable Natural Resources recorded 23 First Class graduates
- Engineering and Technology recorded 16 First Class graduates
- Computing and Informatics produced 10 First Class graduates
LAUTECH Vice Chancellor, Professor Rasaq Kalilu, emphasised that the graduating class represents a generation trained under rigorous academic standards and innovation-driven learning.
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Vice Chancellor’s Message: Graduates Urged to Embrace Global Opportunities
Professor Kalilu urged graduates to become ambassadors of excellence, stating that LAUTECH students are “forged in a crucible of science and arts.”
He encouraged them to take advantage of global opportunities, innovation, and entrepreneurship, stressing that the university had prepared them for real-world challenges.
His remarks reinforced LAUTECH’s reputation as a leading Nigerian institution in technology-driven education and applied sciences.
Why the LAUTECH-NELFUND Story Matters for Nigerian Students
Olugbenga’s success highlights a growing national conversation around:
- Access to affordable education funding
- The role of government-backed student loans
- Reducing dropout rates due to financial hardship
- Expanding equal opportunity in higher education
As more students adopt the NELFUND loan system, education analysts believe it could reshape Nigeria’s higher education landscape by reducing financial exclusion.
A New Model for Academic Success in Nigeria
The story of LAUTECH’s best graduating student is more than an academic achievement, it is a reflection of how financial support systems like NELFUND are reshaping student outcomes in Nigeria.
With a CGPA of 4.89 and national recognition, Olugbenga’s journey represents a new era where talent, opportunity, and government policy intersect to produce academic excellence.
FAQ
1. Who is LAUTECH’s best graduating student in 2026?
The best graduating student of LAUTECH in 2026 is Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.89 in Electronic and Electrical Engineering.
2. What is NELFUND and how does it support students?
NELFUND is a Federal Government student loan scheme in Nigeria designed to provide interest-free loans for tuition and upkeep, helping students complete their education without financial stress.
3. How did NELFUND contribute to LAUTECH student success?
The best graduating student credited NELFUND for helping him stay in school by covering essential academic expenses, allowing him to focus fully on his studies.
4. Is NELFUND a scholarship or a loan?
NELFUND is a student loan scheme, not a scholarship. However, it is interest-free and designed to support repayment after graduation.
5. How many students graduated from LAUTECH in 2026?
A total of 7,641 students graduated, including 137 First Class graduates across different faculties.
6. What CGPA did LAUTECH’s best student achieve?
He achieved a remarkable CGPA of 4.89, making him the top-performing graduate of the institution.
7. How can Nigerian students apply for NELFUND?
Students can apply through the official NELFUND portal, submit required documents, and meet eligibility requirements set by the Federal Government.
8. Does NELFUND cover tuition and living expenses?
Yes, NELFUND is designed to cover tuition fees and student upkeep allowances depending on eligibility and approval.
9. Why is LAUTECH trending in education news?
LAUTECH is trending because of its high number of First Class graduates and the best graduating student attributing success to NELFUND funding.
10. Is the Nigerian student loan scheme effective?
Early reports suggest it is helping reduce financial barriers and improving access to education, though its long-term impact is still being evaluated.