In a significant moment for Nigerian student leadership, Olusola Oladoja, a student of the University of Jos, has been elected as the new President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
His emergence followed a keenly contested election during the NANS national convention, which saw delegates arrive from across the country for a rigorous selection process, including stakeholder meetings, candidate screening, and voting that stretched into late Wednesday.
Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Oladoja, joined by his newly elected executive team, pledged to resist arbitrary tuition hikes in tertiary institutions.
He underscored the importance of making education accessible and ensuring that students do not bear the brunt of economic policies that threaten their academic pursuits. His administration, he assured, would prioritize advocacy against financial barriers to education.
Oladoja also reaffirmed his commitment to building on the legacies of his predecessor, Lucky Emonefe, whose tenure was marked by a renewed focus on student welfare and activism. He announced plans for a nationwide campus tour to engage students directly, address pressing issues, and foster a more inclusive and responsive leadership.
Commending the NANS convention planning committee for organizing a transparent and credible election, Oladoja expressed gratitude for their dedication to upholding democratic principles within the association. He also acknowledged the contributions of the immediate-past leadership, led by Emonefe and Senate President Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, for their efforts in advancing students’ rights and educational reform.
Calling for unity, the new NANS president urged his fellow candidates to see the election outcome as a collective victory for Nigerian students, emphasizing that cooperation and solidarity were essential in tackling the challenges facing tertiary education.
Former NANS President Lucky Emonefe expressed confidence in the new leadership, describing them as credible and committed. He affirmed that the election was conducted under the supervision of security agencies and student representatives from institutions across the country, ensuring fairness and credibility.
With his election, Oladoja steps into a role that demands strong advocacy, negotiation skills, and unwavering commitment to student welfare.
As tuition fees continue to rise in several institutions, his pledge to resist hikes will be closely watched by students nationwide, many of whom are eager for a more engaged and responsive leadership from NANS.
