Astonishing story of LAUTECH Overall Best Graduating Student

By Isa Isawade

He was not born with a silver spoon, nor did he have the privilege of attending elite primary and secondary schools. In fact, Oladepo Caleb Olugbenga studied in public schools, yet he rose to become the Overall Best Graduating Student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, in 2026.

Olugbenga’s story is nothing short of remarkable. Despite struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, and study materials throughout his five-year Engineering program, he emerged as the best among 137 brilliant students who graduated with First Class honours at the institution’s 18th Convocation.

He shared his journey of hardship and perseverance in a social media post, recounting the challenges he faced from his early education through to university. In his narrative, he made it clear that completing his degree would have been impossible without the intervention of NELFUND whose support enabled him to stay the course. As a mark of gratitude, he publicly appreciated the Federal Government.

His post sparked mixed reactions online. While some commended his resilience and success, others criticized his acknowledgment of government support. Olugbenga responded to all comments in a follow-up post on Friday, April 24. Since then, several individuals and organizations have reportedly extended attractive offers to him.

Here’s Oladepo Olugbenga’s response:

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.

Even then, survival itself; food and clothing were 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 course mate’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.

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!

Greatness awaits all of Us.

TESTIMONIAL BY A WELL-WISHER

A well-wisher who knows the Oladepo Family in Ejigbo, Osun State also wrote to praise and congratulate Olugbenga.

He said in his post: “I attended the Conferment of Postgraduate Degrees and Awards at LAUTECH where Caleb Olugbenga Oladepo’s picture was conspicuously displayed on the stage. The Vice Chancellor announced that his CGPA is 4.89!
I heartily congratulate Joshua and wish him greater accomplishments in life.

“I think it is safe to conclude that academic excellence is a distinguishing quality of the Oladepo family. Caleb’s younger brother, Joshua, is also a student of LAUTECH where he is studying Accounting. Joshua, who is in 400L now, has consistently retained the first-class status right from his 100L year.

“Congratulations to the Oladepo family of Ifeodan and the people of Ejigbo Local Government.”

NATIONAL HONOUR

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, having been impressed by Olugbenga’s great feat after seeing his NELFUND testimony, has decided to confer a national honour on him.

The bright LAUTECH graduate who has turned into a national pride is billed to meet the President on Tuesday 28 April to receive his honour.