Tinubu Aide Cites LAUTECH Top Graduate as Proof of Student Loan Policy Impact

Abuja, Nigeria – Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has pointed to the academic success of a top graduate from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) as evidence of the effectiveness of President Bola Tinubu’s student loan initiative.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Onanuga said the achievement of Caleb Olugbenga Oladepo underscores the value of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a strong response to critics of the policy.

Oladepo, who emerged as LAUTECH’s Best Graduating Student, earned a First Class B.Tech degree with an impressive CGPA of 4.89 out of 5.0. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), he credited NELFUND for helping him overcome financial challenges that could have hindered his education.

According to him, the loan scheme bridged the gap caused by limited family resources, allowing him to complete his studies successfully.

Reacting to the development, Onanuga said the outcome highlights the administration’s commitment to ensuring that capable students are not denied higher education due to financial constraints. He described the loan programme as a deliberate intervention aimed at supporting academically gifted but underprivileged Nigerians.

The NELFUND scheme, a key part of the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has faced criticism from opposition figures who have raised concerns about its long-term sustainability and reach. However, the Presidency now points to Oladepo’s achievement at LAUTECH’s 18th convocation as a practical example of the programme’s impact.

Onanuga added that the government remains focused on building a system where access to education is determined by merit rather than economic background.