The National Association of Nigerian Students has elected Babatunde Akinteye of the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology as its new national president. His emergence on Monday followed the successful conclusion of the association’s 2026 national convention held in Abuja.

Mr Akinteye, a former NANS senate president, emerged victorious after a keenly contested election involving four other contestants. He polled 349 votes to defeat his closest rival, Aminu Maipanpo, who got 12 votes, while Olumide Odumosu came third with 10 votes.

He officially succeeds the outgoing NANS president, Olushola Oladoja, who has completed his tenure.

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.

Mr Akinteye 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.

The presidential race featured Mr Akinteye, Mr Maipampo of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Elijah Awoyinpa of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Mr Odumosu of Olabisi Onabanjo University, and Opaleye Oladotun of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

(NAN)