Another first-class graduate of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Augustine Ayorinde, has described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a “lifesaver,” saying the intervention helped him and others transition from financial struggle to academic excellence.

Ayorinde, who graduated with a First Class and emerged as the second-best graduating student in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, shared his experience in a post on X amid ongoing public debate around the student loan scheme.

In his last weekend post, which resurfaced on Sunday and is currently gaining traction, he wrote, “I’ve followed the recent online discussions regarding the NELFUND student loan, and as someone who has lived this reality, I feel it’s important to add my voice and my results to the conversation.”

He noted that the loan came at a critical period in their academic journey.

“The NELFUND initiative was introduced during the most difficult financial phase of our university journey. We didn’t hesitate to apply, and fortunately, we were among the very first set of beneficiaries to receive the loan,” he said.

According to him, financial hardship had previously taken a toll on their focus and academic performance.

“People often underestimate the mental cost of financial lack. Before the loan, a significant portion of our energy was spent worrying about tuition deadlines and exam clearance,” he added.

He explained that the intervention helped restore focus on academics.

“The NELFUND intervention bought us back our most valuable resource: time. Instead of spending our energy on desperate side hustles just to keep up with tuition deadlines, we were able to dedicate those critical hours to the lab and to our studies,” he said.

Ayorinde added that the stability provided by the scheme allowed students to perform at their best.

“The stability provided by NELFUND allowed us to transition from survival mode to excellence mode,” he stated.

While acknowledging that the loan would be repaid, he described it as a timely investment.

“I am fully aware that this is a loan that will be repaid, but I am incredibly glad it came at the exact moment we needed it. It wasn’t just a payment, it was an investment that ensured that our achievements weren’t lost to financial hardship,” he said.

He concluded, “When you remove the barrier of tuition, you allow brilliance to thrive. My 4.61 CGPA and my colleague’s achievement are proof of that.”