Peaceful Transition in NANS as Akinteye Babatunde Succeeds Oladoja

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has elected Akinteye Babatunde Afeez of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) as its new national president following the conclusion of its 2026 national convention held at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

Akinteye, a former NANS Senate President, emerged winner after a closely contested election involving five presidential candidates. He succeeds outgoing president, Olushola Oladoja, whose tenure officially came to an end after the exercise.

The convention, which was held under tight security with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), was widely described by participants as one of the most peaceful in the history of the student body.

Speaking shortly after his emergence on Monday, Akinteye expressed appreciation to delegates for their support, pledging to build on the achievements of the outgoing leadership while strengthening unity among Nigerian students.

“The leadership of NANS has conducted our election successfully and a new leadership has emerged. I thank all delegates for electing me, a student of OAUSTECH, as president,” he said.

He further commended the calm atmosphere that characterized the convention, noting the absence of violence or disruptions throughout the electoral process.

“In the history of NANS, this is one of the best conventions we have witnessed. There was no crisis, no gunshot, no fight. All contestants have congratulated me. This shows NANS is united, and we will continue to work together,” he added.

Akinteye also assured students across the country that his administration would prioritize welfare, inclusion, and campus-based engagement, promising to make the association more visible 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.

In his remarks, outgoing president Olushola Oladoja described the peaceful transition as one of the high points of his administration, expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the election.

“I thank God Almighty for the opportunity to conduct a free and fair election in NANS. I am happy that the person who emerged is someone I trust in terms of capacity,” Oladoja said.

He expressed confidence that the new leadership would surpass his achievements and lead the association with wisdom and stability.

“I wish him well and pray God grants him wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and strength to lead NANS successfully,” he added.

Earlier, Chairman of the Independent Convention Planning Committee, Omotayo Samuel, disclosed that over 300 delegates participated in the convention, including Student Union Government presidents, Senate leaders, and other student representatives from tertiary institutions nationwide.

He assured stakeholders that adequate arrangements were made to guarantee a transparent, credible, and peaceful electoral process.

The presidential race featured Akinteye Babatunde Afeez (OAUSTECH), Aminu Haruna Maipampo (Federal University Oye-Ekiti), Awoyinpa Opeoluwa Elijah (FUTA), Olumide Odumosu Josiah (Olabisi Onabanjo University), and Opaleye Samuel Oladutun (Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta).