By IndyPress News Desk
Babatunde Akinteye, a student of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, has emerged as the new national president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
His emergence followed the conclusion of the NANS 2026 national convention held in Abuja on Monday where he contested alongside four other candidates for the position of the Association’s President.
Polling a total of 349 votes, he defeated his rivals, Aminu Maipanpo (FOUYE) and Olumide Odumosu (OOU) who got 12 and 10 votes respectively.
Other contestants vying for the position who also lost include Opaleye Oladotun of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and Elijah Awoyinpa of the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Mr Akinteye expressed gratitude to delegates and pledged to sustain the achievements of the outgoing administration while promoting unity among Nigerian students.
He said the convention was conducted without violence, protests, or disruption, describing the process as “carnival-like”.
According to him, all aggrieved parties and opponents have already conceded defeat, paving the way for a united student body.
“There were no protests, no clashes, no gunshots, no fighting. It was a carnival-like convention. More interestingly, all those who opposed me and protested against me have already congratulated me.”
“This means that this time around, it is one united front. We are more united than ever and will continue in this spirit to ensure that NANS remains one,” Mr Akinteye said.
He further assured Nigerian students that his administration would continue the good works of the outgoing leadership and reposition the association for greater impact across campuses nationwide.
“Our activities will soon be felt across campuses, and the country will know that NANS is active and committed to students’ welfare,” he said.
The outgoing president, Mr Oladoja, described the successful conduct of the election as one of the happiest moments of his tenure.
“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 succeeding me is someone I strongly believe in and trust in terms of capacity,” Mr Oladoja said.
He expressed confidence in the new president’s ability to surpass his achievements in office.
“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 Oladele, disclosed that more than 300 delegates participated in the convention.
The convention was conducted under tight security, with police officers and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) in attendance.
Credit: News Agency of Nigeria
