The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has elected Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, a student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), as its new national president after the conclusion of the association’s 2026 national convention held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.
Akinteye, who previously served as the Senate President of NANS, secured victory in a tightly contested election that featured five presidential aspirants. He takes over leadership from the outgoing president, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, whose tenure recently came to an end.
The convention was conducted under heavy security presence, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) monitoring proceedings. Participants described the exercise as one of the calmest and most orderly conventions ever organised by the student body.
Addressing delegates shortly after his victory on Monday, Akinteye appreciated the support of student leaders across the country and promised to uphold the progress recorded by the previous administration while fostering unity within the association.
According to him, the successful conduct of the election demonstrated the maturity and unity of Nigerian students. He noted that the convention was free from violence, disruptions, or conflicts, adding that all fellow contestants had already congratulated him on his emergence.
He further assured students nationwide that his administration would remain committed to advancing students’ welfare and ensuring that NANS maintains an active presence across tertiary institutions in the country.
Speaking on the outcome of the convention, outgoing President Comrade Olushola Oladoja described the successful election as one of the proudest achievements of his administration. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to oversee what he called a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
Oladoja also expressed confidence in Akinteye’s leadership ability, stating that the new president possesses the capacity to surpass the achievements of the outgoing administration. He prayed for wisdom, strength, and understanding for the incoming leadership.
Earlier during the accreditation exercise held on Sunday night at Kapital Club, Asokoro, chairman of the Independent Convention Planning Committee (ICPC), Comrade Omotayo Oladele Samuel, revealed that more than 300 delegates participated in the convention. The delegates included Student Union Government presidents, senate presidents, and other student representatives from tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Oladele stated that the committee made adequate preparations to guarantee a transparent and credible election process for all participants.
The presidential contest featured candidates including Akinteye Babatunde Afeez of OAUSTECH, Aminu Haruna Maipampo of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Awoyinpa Opeoluwa Elijah of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Olumide Odumosu Josiah of Olabisi Onabanjo University, and Opaleye Samuel Oladutun of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta.
