Akinteye Babatunde elected NANS President

 National Association of Nigerian Students has elected Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez as its new national president following what delegates described as one of the most peaceful conventions in the organization’s recent history.

Akinteye, a student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, emerged victorious at the 2026 NANS National Convention held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.

The election, which attracted delegates from tertiary institutions across the country, was conducted under heavy security presence, with officers of the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the Department of State Services deployed to maintain order throughout the exercise.

Popularly known among student leaders as “Babtee,” Akinteye is regarded as a familiar figure within the student movement, having previously served in several national leadership positions within NANS, including Joint Campus Council Chairman, Vice President for External Affairs, and most recently Senate President.

During his campaign, the newly elected president unveiled a five-point development plan tagged the “EPOCH” agenda, which he said would focus on student empowerment, academic advancement, capacity building, and stronger institutional partnerships both within and outside Nigeria.

Speaking after the announcement of the results, Akinteye described the convention as a major turning point for the association, noting that the election process was conducted without violence or major disputes.

“In the history of NANS, this is one of the best conventions we have witnessed,” he said. “There was no crisis, no gunshot, no fight. All the contestants against me have congratulated me already. This shows that NANS is united, and we will continue to work together to keep the association as one.”

The peaceful outcome marks a significant shift from previous NANS conventions, many of which were characterized by factional disagreements, disruptions, and security concerns.

Akinteye succeeds outgoing NANS President Olushola Oladoja and is expected to lead advocacy efforts on issues affecting Nigerian students, including campus welfare, education funding, and academic stability.

The new administration has also pledged to intensify digital skills training and expand human capacity development programmes across tertiary institutions nationwide.

“Our activities will soon be felt across campuses,” Akinteye said. “The country will know that NANS is active and deeply committed to students’ welfare.”