The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has ushered in a new leadership with the election of Babatunde Akinteye of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology as its national president following the successful conclusion of the association’s 2026 convention in Abuja.
Akinteye, a former Senate President of the student body, emerged victorious in a keenly contested race involving four other candidates. He secured 349 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Aminu Maipanpo of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, who polled 12 votes, while Olumide Odumosu of Olabisi Onabanjo University came third with 10 votes.
His emergence marks the end of the tenure of outgoing President Olushola Oladoja, whose administration supervised the convention under tight security provided by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The convention, which attracted over 300 delegates from tertiary institutions across the country, was described by participants as one of the most peaceful in recent NANS history.
Speaking shortly after his victory, Akinteye thanked delegates for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to build on the achievements of the outgoing administration while strengthening unity within the student movement.
He described the convention as “carnival-like,” noting that the election was conducted without violence, protests, or disruption.
“There were no protests, no clashes, no gunshots, no fighting. It was a carnival-like convention,” he said.
According to him, the atmosphere of reconciliation that followed the election signaled a new chapter for the association.
“More interestingly, all those who opposed me and protested against me have already congratulated me. This means that this time around, it is one united front. We are more united than ever and will continue in this spirit to ensure that NANS remains one,” he added.
The new NANS president assured students across the country that his administration would focus on welfare, campus engagement, and restoring the vibrancy of the association.
“Our activities will soon be felt across campuses, and the country will know that NANS is active and committed to students’ welfare,” he said.
Outgoing President Oladoja described the successful conduct of the election as one of the proudest moments of his administration, expressing satisfaction that the transition was peaceful and credible.
“I thank God Almighty for giving me the opportunity to conduct a free and fair election in the history of NANS,” he said.
Oladoja also expressed confidence in Akinteye’s leadership capacity, saying he believed the new president would surpass his achievements in office.
“I wish him well and I pray God grants him wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and strength to lead NANS successfully,” he added.
Chairman of the Independent Convention Planning Committee, Omotayo Oladele, disclosed that more than 300 accredited delegates participated in the convention.
Other contestants in the presidential race included Elijah Awoyinpa of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and Opaleye Oladotun of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
