A new leadership has emerged within the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Ogun State, with a renewed pledge to tackle injustice and reposition student representation across the state.
The newly elected chairman, Olabode Faruq, described his victory as a collective mandate, promising to prioritise unity, accountability, and a student-centred leadership approach.
Faruq secured the position after polling seven votes out of 13 in an election held during a convention attended by delegates from accredited tertiary institutions across the state. Stakeholders at the event commended the process as transparent and credible.
Addressing journalists after his emergence, Faruq emphasised his commitment to defending student rights and ensuring no act of injustice goes unchallenged.
“This victory is not mine alone; it represents a shared commitment to progress, unity, and purposeful representation. Under my leadership, we will stand firm, speak boldly, and act decisively in protecting the rights and dignity of students,” he said.
The convention also drew key figures in the student movement, including the NANS National President, Olushola Oladoja, and the Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Adeyemo Kayode, both of whom were commended for promoting democratic values within the organisation.
Faruq further lauded the Independent Convention Planning Committee, led by Akinbodunse Sileola Praise, for conducting what he described as a credible and well-organised electoral process that strengthened democratic culture among student leaders.
While acknowledging the support of the Ogun State Government in enabling youth participation, the chairman-elect condemned a post-election attack on the Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Matters, Adeyemi Azeez Amoo.
Describing the incident as unacceptable, Faruq expressed solidarity with the victim and pledged to personally visit him, while also calling for accountability.
He noted that allegations of misconduct involving some security personnel would be taken seriously, assuring that appropriate authorities would be engaged to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
Calling for unity, Faruq urged student leaders, institutional authorities, and government stakeholders to prioritise collaboration in addressing challenges affecting students.
“With this mandate, NANS in Ogun State has been firmly returned to the students. Together, we begin a new chapter anchored on inclusiveness, transparency, and impactful leadership,” he stated.
In his remarks, Kayode described Faruq’s emergence as symbolic of renewed hope for student advocacy, expressing confidence that the new leadership would strengthen institutional structures and improve student welfare.
He also assured the Ogun JCC leadership of the continued support of the Southwest zone in advancing advocacy, unity, and effective representation.
