By IndyPress News Desk

Oyinkansola Adisa, a student of Cultural and Media Studies at the Institute of African Studies (IAS), University of Ibadan, on Wednesday, was elected the new president of the African Studies Students Association (ASSA).

Ms Adisa secured 39 votes to defeat Beatrice Ekpeyong, who polled 24 votes in the presidential race.

The unopposed candidates were also elected, with Unimashi Ugbe polling 57 votes as vice president, Juan Oluremi polling 62 votes as secretary of state, and Marvellous Osunlana polling 56 votes as deputy secretary of state.

Ifefami Adeleke polled 61 votes for information minister, Ayomide Alabi secured 54 valid votes for social and welfare, while Temiloluwa Ajao polled 57 valid votes for the position of treasurer.

No candidate contested for financial secretary.

Commenting, Tioluwase Daniel Ola-Ajao, a member of the electoral committee, said the election recorded a high voter turnout, while noting that some parties expressed dissatisfaction with the eventual outcome.

Mr Ola-Ajao said, “The turnout today was more than the turnout for the manifesto. Our students came out to express themselves and select the leaders for the next session.”

“There were emotions that were expressed during the election process. And naturally there were unsatisfied parties,” he stated.

The electoral officer urged the elected representatives to put aside cliques, stressing that unity would be critical to strengthening ASSA and advancing the interests of its members.

Speaking to IndyPress, the president-elect, Oyinkansola Adisa, expressed gratitude to ASSA members for electing her and described the victory as a responsibility and a call to serve.

She thanked her supporters, particularly members of her unit, friends, colleagues and ASSA members who believed in her vision.

She commended her fellow candidate and other participants in the election race, adding that all remained members of the association and should work together for ASSA’s progress.

Ms Adisa said, “I am deeply grateful to the members of ASSA for the confidence they have placed in me by electing me as President. This victory is not just a personal achievement; it is a responsibility and a call to serve.”

“I appreciate everyone who supported me throughout the campaign, especially my unit members in Cultural and Media Studies, my friends, colleagues, and every ASSA member who believed in my vision. I do not take their support for granted.”

“I also appreciate my fellow candidate and everyone who participated in the electoral process. Elections may be contested, but at the end of the day, we are all members of the same association, and I believe we must now work together for the progress of ASSA,” she said.

According to the president-elect, her administration will prioritize a stronger, more inclusive and accountable ASSA that would represent students, address concerns and expand opportunities for academic, professional and personal development.

“As President-elect, my focus is on building a stronger, more inclusive and accountable ASSA. I want an association where students feel represented, where their concerns are heard, and where we create more opportunities for academic, professional and personal development,” Ms Adisa said.

“I am looking forward to working with the incoming executives and the entire student body. This is no longer about campaigns or individuals; it is about what we can achieve together. I am ready to serve, listen, learn and work with everyone to move ASSA forward,” she said.