The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has elected Akinteye Babatunde of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) as its new national president following the conclusion of its 2026 national convention held in Abuja.
Babatunde, a former NANS Senate President, emerged winner of the keenly contested election held at the Old Parade Ground, defeating four other aspirants to succeed the outgoing president, Olushola Oladoja.
The convention, which attracted student leaders from tertiary institutions across the country, was conducted under tight security presence, including operatives of the police and the Department of State Services.
Delegates and observers described the exercise as one of the most peaceful and well-organised conventions in the history of the student body.
In his acceptance speech shortly after being declared winner, Babatunde expressed appreciation to delegates for entrusting him with the leadership of the association, promising to build on existing achievements while strengthening unity among Nigerian students.
“I sincerely appreciate all delegates for the confidence reposed in me. This victory belongs to all Nigerian students, and I will work to justify it,” he said.
He noted that the peaceful conduct of the election reflected a renewed sense of unity within NANS, adding that all contestants had shown maturity throughout the process.
“There was no violence, no crisis, and no breakdown of order. Even my co-contenders have congratulated me. This shows that NANS is united, and we will continue in that spirit,” he added.
The new NANS president pledged to prioritise student welfare and reposition the association for greater impact across campuses nationwide.
“Our focus will be to strengthen advocacy for students’ welfare and ensure that NANS remains a strong voice for Nigerian students,” he said.
In his remarks, outgoing president Olushola Oladoja described the election as a landmark achievement, expressing confidence in the ability of the new leadership to perform better.
He said the peaceful transition marked a positive moment in the history of the association and wished the incoming executive success in office.
The Chairman of the Independent Convention Planning Committee, Omotayo Samuel, disclosed that over 300 delegates participated in the election, including Student Union Government presidents and other student representatives from institutions across the country.
He said adequate arrangements were made to ensure a credible, free and fair electoral process.
Other contestants in the race included representatives from Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Federal University of Technology Akure, Olabisi Onabanjo University, and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.