Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, a student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology in Ondo State, has emerged as the new NANS president. The election took place during the association’s 2026 national convention at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja, marking a smooth and peaceful transition in student leadership.The outcome has drawn attention across campuses because Akinteye, a former NANS Senate President, won convincingly in a race that featured five candidates. Many see his victory as a sign that NANS is ready to return to active advocacy for students’ welfare after the last administration.
The presidential contest was keenly fought but ended decisively. Akinteye polled 349 votes, far ahead of his closest rivals. Aminu Haruna Maipampo of Federal University Oye-Ekiti got 12 votes while Olumide Odumosu Josiah of Olabisi Onabanjo University received 10. The other two aspirants — Awoyinpa Opeoluwa Elijah of FUTA and Opaleye Samuel Oladutun of FUNAAB — also contested.More than 300 delegates, including SUG presidents and senate presidents from universities and other tertiary institutions across the country, took part. Accreditation happened the night before at Kapital Club, Asokoro. Security was tight, with police and DSS operatives on ground, yet the atmosphere remained calm throughout.
What stood out most was how orderly everything went. Delegates and observers described it as one of the most peaceful NANS conventions in recent memory. There were no crises, no fights, and no drama.Speaking shortly after results were announced, the new NANS president thanked the delegates. “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,” he said.He added that all his opponents had already congratulated him. “In the history of NANS, this is one of the best conventions we have witnessed. There was no crisis, no gunshot, no fight. This shows that NANS is united, and we will continue to work together to keep the association as one.”
Akinteye promised that NANS activities would soon be felt on campuses again. He said the country would see an active association committed to students’ welfare. He also pledged to build on the achievements of the outgoing administration and reposition NANS for greater impact.Outgoing President Comrade Olushola Oladoja expressed satisfaction with the process. He described the election as free and fair and said he was happy the person who emerged was someone he trusted. He wished the new leadership wisdom and strength to succeed.The Independent Convention Planning Committee chairman, Comrade Omotayo Oladele Samuel, also confirmed that everything was arranged for a credible process.For many students, the peaceful handover and the clear mandate given to Akinteye signal a fresh start. The focus now shifts to how the new leadership will tackle the everyday challenges facing Nigerian students in public universities and other institutions.
