Distinguished Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez and Distinguished Senator Ibeabuchi Moses Onyia have emerged as the new President and Senate President respectively of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) following the association’s national convention held in Abuja.
The convention, which took place at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, attracted Students’ Union Government (SUG) Presidents and delegates from tertiary institutions across the federation in what participants described as one of the most transparent and peaceful elections in the history of the association.
A total of 372 accredited institutions participated in the exercise, with delegates electing new national officers to pilot the affairs of the student body.
In the presidential contest, Akinteye secured a landslide victory with 349 votes to defeat three other contenders — Aminu Haruna Maipampo, who polled 12 votes; Olumide Odumosu Josia, who secured 10 votes; and Awoyinfa Opeoluwa, who got one vote.
Similarly, Onyia emerged Senate President of the association after polling 275 votes to defeat five other aspirants in a keenly contested election.
Other officers elected during the convention include Tabitha Babayo as Vice President Inter-Campus, Obida David as Public Relations Officer, Usman Garba Isa as Assistant Secretary General, and Sadiq SK Zango as Vice President External.
Also elected were Ojumoola Miracle Timileyin as Sports Director, Alao John as Financial Secretary, and Abdulganiyu Shehu Dalhatu as Director of Travel and Exchange.
The atmosphere at the convention ground was marked by celebration, solidarity and heightened enthusiasm as delegates commended the conduct of the election and the orderly process that produced the new leadership.
Observers described the convention as a significant moment for Nigerian students, noting that the peaceful transition reflected growing commitment to democratic principles within student unionism.
In his acceptance remarks, Akinteye pledged to provide purposeful leadership and prioritise the welfare, academic interests and advocacy needs of Nigerian students across the country.
He assured delegates that the new leadership would work towards strengthening the voice of students, promoting unity among campuses and engaging relevant stakeholders on issues affecting tertiary education in Nigeria.
Participants at the convention expressed optimism that the new leadership would usher in a new era of responsible representation, progressive engagement and renewed commitment to the advancement of Nigerian students.
