The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has elected Babatunde Akinteye of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, OAUSTECH, Okitipupa, as its new national president.
Akinteye emerged on Monday following the successful conclusion of the association’s 2026 national convention held in Abuja.
A former NANS Senate President, Akinteye won the keenly contested election after polling 349 votes to defeat his closest rival, Aminu Maipanpo, who secured 12 votes, while Olumide Odumosu garnered 10 votes.
He succeeds the outgoing NANS President, Olushola Oladoja, whose tenure has ended.
Speaking shortly after his emergence, Akinteye expressed gratitude to delegates and pledged to sustain the achievements of the outgoing administration while promoting unity among Nigerian students.
He described the convention as peaceful and orderly, noting that it was conducted without violence or disruption.
“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,” he said.
Akinteye assured Nigerian students that his administration would 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.
In his remarks, 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,” he said.
Oladoja expressed confidence in the ability of the new president 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, Chairman of the Independent Convention Planning Committee (ICPC), Omotayo Oladele, disclosed that more than 300 delegates participated in the convention.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convention was conducted under tight security with the presence of police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Other contestants in the presidential race included Elijah Awoyinpa of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Olumide Odumosu of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, and Opaleye Oladotun of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. (NAN)