The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, has responded to the University of Ibadan Students’ Union’s rebuttal of his earlier statement on the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale.

In a statement shared on his official social media page on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Akinteye described the response by the UI Students’ Union President, Comrade Deboye Temidayo, as an attempt to distance the Union from his earlier publication.

“My attention has been drawn to the statement issued by the President of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union, Comr. Adeboye Temidayo (DEBOYE), distancing himself from my recent publication regarding the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale,” he said.

Akinteye reaffirmed NANS’ constitutional role as the apex representative body of Nigerian students, insisting that the association has a mandate that extends beyond individual campuses.

“First, let me make it abundantly clear that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is not an appendage of any campus Students’ Union. NANS is the apex representative body of Nigerian students, with a constitutional mandate that transcends the boundaries of any single institution.”

He expressed surprise at the position taken by the UI Students’ Union President, who, in his earlier statement, argued that NANS could not speak on issues affecting University of Ibadan students without first consulting the Students’ Union.

“It is, therefore, surprising that the President of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union suggests that NANS cannot speak on issues affecting students in his institution because he was not consulted. That position is not only constitutionally flawed but also undermines the national responsibility entrusted to NANS.”

Defending his earlier remarks on the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Akinteye said the statement was based on reports, petitions, testimonies, and engagements with students, alumni, and other stakeholders. 

He added that the publication did not claim to represent the views of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union and therefore did not require the Union President’s approval.

While acknowledging Deboye’s right to assess the Vice-Chancellor based on his own experience, Akinteye argued that such an assessment should not invalidate the concerns raised by other members of the university community.

“While Comr. Deboye is entitled to his personal assessment of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor based on his experience, he should equally acknowledge that his experience cannot erase or invalidate the experiences of others who have raised legitimate concerns. Leadership requires listening to every side, not merely the voices closest to power.”

He further maintained that no single student leader could claim exclusive authority over the experiences of students within an institution.

“It is also important to remind him that occupying the office of a Students’ Union President does not make one the exclusive custodian of truth regarding an institution. There are thousands of students whose experiences may differ, and NANS has a duty to listen to all of them without fear or favour.”

Akinteye also expressed disappointment that the UI Students’ Union President issued a public response instead of first seeking clarification from the national body, warning that such an approach could create unnecessary divisions within the student movement at a time when unity is needed.

He reiterated that NANS would continue to speak on issues affecting students nationwide without seeking permission from any campus Students’ Union.

“We shall continue to speak against injustice, abuse of office, anti-student policies, and any conduct that threatens the welfare and dignity of students, irrespective of whose interests are affected.”

He concluded by stressing that the disagreement should not be viewed as a contest between NANS and the University of Ibadan Students’ Union.

“This is not a contest between NANS and the University of Ibadan Students’ Union. It is about ensuring that no student’s voice is silenced simply because another student leader holds a different opinion.”

Recall that Friday, July 24, 2026, Deboye released a statement commending the outgoingVC a decision he took outside the union while claiming to be speking for the union.