Adegboyega Awomolo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has repaid a student loan he took out over 40 years ago. The loan, which was initially just 1,000 Naira, has now been settled with a payment of 2 million Naira.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) confirmed the repayment, stating that Awomolo had taken out the loan during his undergraduate studies at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) between 1975 and 1977. The small loan, which covered his studies for two sessions, played a crucial role in helping him complete his law degree.
Monalisa Dike, from NELFUND’s Corporate Communications Department, said that despite previous attempts over the years to repay the loan, Awomolo was unable to do so until now. However, the senior lawyer has now demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the nation by fully repaying the loan through a bank draft.
In a letter to the NELFUND Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Awomolo expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian government for providing him with the opportunity to pursue his education through the student loan program. He also acknowledged the transparency and accountability that NELFUND has shown in its current management of student loans.
Dike emphasized that Awomolo’s repayment of 2 million Naira serves as a testament to the lasting impact of President Bola Tinubu’s initiative and the ongoing relevance of NELFUND in supporting Nigerian students. She said, “His patriotic gesture is another shining example of the enduring value of education and the importance of fulfilling one’s obligation.”
The funds received from Awomolo’s repayment will be used to support the education of current students who need financial assistance, further demonstrating NELFUND’s commitment to empowering future generations of Nigerian students.
Chief Adegboyega Awomolo is a highly respected figure in the Nigerian legal community. He served as the first Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Osun State and was the first lawyer to be appointed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in the state in 1992. Awomolo has also served on various committees of the Body of Benchers and was appointed a Life Bencher in 2007. He currently holds the position of Chairman of the Body of Benchers.
Dike emphasized that Awomolo’s action is a shining example of the strength of morality that still exists among Nigerians. This gesture not only reflects his personal dedication to upholding his responsibility to the nation but also serves as an inspiration for others to follow in his footsteps.
As NELFUND continues its mission to support Nigerian students, this repayment from a prominent figure like Awomolo underscores the enduring value of education and the importance of fulfilling one’s obligations, even decades after the initial investment. This act of selflessness and civic responsibility sets a powerful example for the younger generation and demonstrates the lasting impact that government initiatives can have on individuals and the nation as a whole.
