A new leadership has emerged in the National Association of Nigerian Students after delegates at the 2026 national convention elected Akinteye Babatunde of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology as the association’s new national president.
The convention, which took place at the Old Parade Ground, ended with Akinteye defeating four other contenders in a closely contested presidential race.
Akinteye, who previously served as Senate President of NANS, takes over from outgoing president Olushola Oladoja after the completion of his tenure.
Security operatives, including police officers and personnel of the Department of State Services, were present throughout the convention as delegates described the exercise as one of the calmest and most organised in the association’s history.
Addressing delegates after the announcement of the results on Monday, the newly elected president appreciated the support he received and promised to build on the achievements of the previous administration while strengthening unity within the student body.
“The leadership of NANS has conducted our election successfully and the new leadership has emerged. I thank all the delegates for electing me, a student of OAUSTECH, as the new president of NANS,” Akinteye said.
He also praised the peaceful conduct of the convention, stressing that the process was free of violence and disagreements.
“In the history of NANS, this is one of the best conventions we have witnessed. There was no crisis, no gunshot, no fight. All the contestants against me have congratulated me already. This shows that NANS is united, and we will continue to work together to keep the association as one,” he added.
The new NANS president further assured students across the country that his administration would remain focused on students’ welfare and making the association more impactful on campuses nationwide.
“Our activities will soon be felt across campuses and the country will know that NANS is active and committed to students’ welfare,” he stated.
Outgoing president, Oladoja, described the successful conduct of the election as one of the proudest moments of his administration.
“I thank God Almighty for giving me the opportunity to conduct a free and fair election in the history of NANS. I am happy that the person who emerged is someone I strongly believe in and trust in terms of capacity,” Oladoja said.
He also expressed confidence in the leadership ability of his successor.
“I wish him well and I pray God grants him wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and strength to lead NANS successfully,” he added.
Earlier during the accreditation exercise held at Kapital Club, Chairman of the Independent Convention Planning Committee, Omotayo Samuel, disclosed that more than 300 delegates participated in the convention.
He explained that the delegates included Student Union Government presidents, Senate presidents, and student representatives from tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Samuel also assured stakeholders that the committee had put measures in place to guarantee a transparent and credible election process.
The presidential contest featured Akinteye Babatunde Afeez of OAUSTECH, Aminu Haruna Maipampo of Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Awoyinpa Opeoluwa Elijah of Federal University of Technology Akure, Olumide Odumosu Josiah of Olabisi Onabanjo University, and Opaleye Samuel Oladutun of Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta.