Tinubu Aide Hails LAUTECH Best Graduate, Says NELFUND Silences Critics

ABUJA – Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has pointed to the success of a top graduating student at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) as evidence of the impact of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme.

In a statement on Thursday, Onanuga, who serves as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said the achievement of Caleb Olugbenga Oladepo validates President Bola Tinubu’s education policy under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Oladepo, who emerged as LAUTECH’s overall best graduating student, earned a First Class degree with a CGPA of 4.89 out of 5. He had earlier shared on social media that access to the student loan helped him overcome financial challenges from his family.

Reacting, Onanuga said the development should put to rest criticisms from opposition figures, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who have questioned the loan scheme.

He described NELFUND as a deliberate intervention designed to ensure that financially disadvantaged but talented students can pursue higher education.

The student loan programme, a key part of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, has faced scrutiny over its sustainability and effectiveness. However, the Presidency now cites Oladepo’s academic success as proof of its potential to support academic excellence.

Onanuga added that the government remains focused on building a system where a student’s financial background does not limit their educational opportunities.