NELFUND is a federal government scheme that grants interest-free loans to eligible students in tertiary institutions.
On Thursday, Olugbenga sparked widespread debate on social media after publicly acknowledging NELFUND’s financial support during his academic journey.
In a post, he said the loan scheme made his achievement possible, noting that he graduated with a first class degree (4.89/5.0) in engineering.
“@NELFUND, I’m honored to let you know that I am the Best Graduating Student of @lautechofficial. Your loans made it possible,” he wrote.
The post gained traction, with media aides to President Bola Tinubu, including Bayo Onanuga, sharing it as evidence of the administration’s education policies in action.
However, the endorsement drew criticisms on X, with some users questioning the narrative surrounding the loan scheme.
Responding in a follow-up statement on Friday, Olugbenga said he welcomed the praise and backlash but found it necessary to clarify his position.
He recounted his upbringing in a rural community in Osun, describing a childhood marked by financial hardship.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The graduate added that “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”.
He said in his third year, a coursemate’s father, whom he had once tutored, gifted him his first smartphone, which he still uses.
“On several occasions, lecturers, moved by quiet compassion, provided me with clothing. There are many other instances, too numerous to recount,” he added.
Reflecting on his experience, he emphasised that his acknowledgment of NELFUND was rooted in genuine gratitude rather than political alignment.
“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.”
He maintained that the loan scheme played a crucial role in his success and that recognising such support should not be misconstrued as propaganda.
“For me, NELFUND was not incidental; it was instrumental,” he said, reiterating his appreciation to the fund and others who contributed to his academic achievement.
Olugbenga further expressed optimism about the future, noting that greater opportunities lie ahead for others facing similar challenges.
