The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has elected Akinteye Babatunde of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology as its new national president following the conclusion of its 2026 national convention held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.
Akinteye, who previously served as NANS Senate President, won the election after a closely contested race involving five candidates, succeeding the outgoing president, Olushola Oladoja, whose tenure has officially ended.
The convention was held under tight security, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services deployed to maintain order. Participants later described the exercise as one of the most peaceful conventions in the history of the association.
Speaking shortly after his emergence on Monday, the new NANS president thanked delegates for their support and promised to build on the achievements of the outgoing leadership while strengthening unity among students nationwide.
“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 election, noting the absence of violence or disruption throughout the 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 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.
Akinteye further assured students that his administration would focus on continuity and impact, with plans to strengthen student representation and welfare across campuses.
“Our activities will soon be felt across campuses and the country will know that NANS is active and committed to students’ welfare,” he stated.
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Outgoing president, Olushola Oladoja, also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election, describing it as one of the highlights 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 added that he was confident the new leadership would surpass his achievements and prayed for divine guidance for the incoming president.
“I wish him well and I pray God grants him wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and strength to lead NANS successfully,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Independent Convention Planning Committee, Omotayo Samuel, disclosed during accreditation on Sunday night at Kapital Club, Asokoro, that more than 300 delegates took part in the convention.
According to him, the delegates included SUG presidents, Senate presidents, and other student leaders from tertiary institutions across the country.
He also assured stakeholders that adequate arrangements were made to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
The presidential contest featured 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.