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 was 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 coursemate’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.

OLADEPO Caleb Olugbenga.

#MayTinubuSucceed

#GodBlessNigeria