NANS charts new course as Olushola Oladoja assumes office as National President

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has elected Olusola Oladoja, a student from the University of Jos, as its new President.

Oladoja secured his victory at the NANS national conference, which commenced on Sunday with the arrival of delegates, a stakeholders’ meeting, and the screening of candidates. The electoral process culminated in a vote that continued well into late Wednesday.

At a global press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Oladoja, accompanied by his newly elected executive team, pledged to challenge arbitrary increases in tuition fees across tertiary institutions nationwide.

He also confirmed his resolve to build on the achievements of his immediate predecessor, Lucky Emonefe, whose term marked a significant shift in student leadership. Outlining plans for a nationwide campus tour, Oladoja stressed the importance of engaging directly with students, tackling urgent issues within higher education, and promoting a more inclusive, student-centred leadership approach.

Oladoja commended the convention’s planning committee for their organisation of a fair, transparent, and credible election, praising their dedication and commitment throughout the process.

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the immediate past NANS leadership, led by Lucky Emonefe (National President) and Akinteye Babatunde Afeez (Senate President). Their contributions to the fight for students’ rights, improved welfare, and quality education will always be remembered,” he said. “I am committed to building on the robust foundation they have laid while further advancing the cause of Nigerian students.”

Calling for unity, Oladoja urged his fellow candidates to view the outcome as a shared triumph and to work collaboratively to enhance the welfare of Nigerian students. The outgoing president, Emonefe, expressed his confidence in the new leadership, describing them as both credible and unanimously endorsed by Nigerian students. He also confirmed that the election had been monitored by security agencies alongside student representatives from campuses across the nation.