The newly elected president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Olushola Oladoja, has declared his administration’s commitment to resisting arbitrary tuition hikes and improving student welfare across the country.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Oladoja assured Nigerian students that his leadership would engage relevant authorities to address pressing educational challenges.
Oladoja, a postgraduate student at the University of Jos, emerged victorious in the recently concluded NANS election, polling 300 votes to defeat his closest rivals, Salauhudeen Suleiman of the University of Abuja and Gambo Abubakar from Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, who secured 40 and 15 votes, respectively.
The election, held at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja, was widely regarded as free, fair, and credible. During his address, Oladoja acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, and promised to build on the successes of past NANS administrations.
He emphasised the need for grassroots engagement, stating that his administration would focus on campus-orientated leadership, ensuring that students’ concerns are addressed in real-time.
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“As a demonstration of our commitment, I hereby announce the immediate commencement of a nationwide campus tour to assess the state of welfare and facilities across our tertiary institutions,” Oladoja said.
“This tour will enable us to gather firsthand information on the pressing issues facing Nigerian students and ensure that we engage the relevant authorities for necessary interventions.”
He also extended an olive branch to his opponents, urging unity among student leaders to advance the collective interests of Nigerian students. “In the Fortune Era, there are no victors or vanquished.
We are all partners in progress, and I extend my hand of fellowship to work with everyone in the collective interest of Nigerian students,” he added.
Former NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, expressed confidence in the new leadership, stating that Oladoja’s administration has the capacity to strengthen student advocacy. “NANS remains the most formidable youth and student movement in Nigeria, and under the leadership of Oladoja, I believe we will continue to move forward,” Emonefe said.
