NANS Elects OAUSTECH Student Akinteye Babatunde as President After Peaceful Convention

The 2026 NANS national convention convened at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja under tight security from police and the Department of State Services. Delegates included Student Union Government presidents, Senate presidents and other student leaders from tertiary institutions nationwide. The event marked the end of Olushola Oladoja’s tenure and the start of a new leadership team.

More than 300 delegates participated, according to the Independent Convention Planning Committee. Five candidates contested the presidency, with Babatunde emerging victorious after a closely watched ballot. In his acceptance remarks, Babatunde thanked the delegates, praised the peaceful atmosphere and pledged to build on the outgoing administration’s achievements. He noted that the convention experienced “no crisis, no gunshot, no fight,” and emphasized unity among Nigerian students.

Outgoing President Oladoja described the election as one of the happiest moments of his term, highlighting its free and fair nature. He expressed confidence in Babatunde’s capacity to lead and wished him wisdom, knowledge and strength. The smooth transition was hailed by participants as one of the best conventions in NANS history.

The new president’s agenda focuses on expanding NANS activities across campuses and reinforcing the association’s role in student welfare. He promised that the association’s impact will soon be felt nationwide, signaling a proactive stance on advocacy and service.

What it means: The peaceful handover underscores a growing maturity in student politics, suggesting that future NANS conventions may continue to operate without violence. Stakeholders will watch how Babatunde’s administration translates promises into concrete programs, especially in areas of tuition fees, campus safety and student representation.

Watch for the rollout of NANS initiatives in the coming months and any policy responses from university administrations and government bodies.