Opeoluwa Awoyinfa Declares Candidacy for NANS Presidency, Election Set for May 24
Awoyinfa Runs for NANS President, Election May 24

Opeoluwa Awoyinfa Declares Candidacy for NANS Presidency, Election Set for May 24

Opeoluwa Awoyinfa, a former student union leader at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has officially declared his intention to contest for the presidency of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). The announcement was made in a manifesto addressed to student leaders, stakeholders, and members of the press, marking a significant development in student politics ahead of the upcoming election.

Awoyinfa's Vision for Student Advocacy

Awoyinfa, who previously served as the public relations officer of NANS Zone D, emphasized that his decision to run is motivated by a deep commitment to advocate for the rights, welfare, and aspirations of Nigerian students. In his declaration, he stated, "I stand before you not just as a candidate, but as a passionate advocate for the rights, welfare, and aspirations of every Nigerian student." He highlighted his role as a key member of the Renewed Hope Youth Alliance (RHYA) and outlined a comprehensive approach to addressing pressing student issues.

His platform focuses on intentional collaboration with student union government presidents across tertiary institutions to tackle challenges such as tuition hikes, accommodation shortages, and inadequate learning environments. Awoyinfa also plans to promote equitable access to quality education and resources, while creating opportunities that empower students beyond their university years. As a doctoral student himself, he underscored his understanding of the diverse challenges faced by students at all educational levels, pledging to run an all-inclusive government where every voice is heard.

Key Demands and Call for Support

Awoyinfa called on student union leaders and students nationwide to support his vision, stressing that collective action is essential to strengthening advocacy for student rights. He urged, "To the SUG presidents across our campuses, I urge you to support this vision of unity and empowerment. And to my fellow students, I ask for your grassroots support so together we can reshape the future of student leadership in Nigeria." He concluded his declaration by encouraging students to unite for positive change in the student movement, reinforcing his commitment to opposing measures detrimental to student welfare.

In earlier statements, Awoyinfa listed vital areas of interest for the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, expressing hope that the government would give unprecedented priority to education in the country. This aligns with his broader goal of championing policies that uplift the collective interests of Nigerian students.

NANS Election Timeline and Process

Meanwhile, NANS is set to elect a new president on Sunday, May 24, 2026, during its national convention scheduled to be held in Abuja. Omotayo Samuel, the chairman of the 2026 Independent Convention Planning Committee, disclosed this while briefing journalists in the capital. The committee was inaugurated by the current NANS President, Olusola Oladoja, on March 8, 2026, in line with the provisions of the association's constitution, to coordinate activities leading to the convention.

Several sub-committees have been constituted to ensure effective coordination and smooth execution of the event. The committee chairman released a detailed timetable for the convention process:

  • Pre-convention activities began on March 8 and will run until March 30.
  • Nomination and accreditation forms will be available for collection between April 1 and April 7.
  • Submission of completed forms will take place from April 8 to April 10.
  • Physical screening of aspirants will hold from April 12 to April 19.
  • Verification of studentship by the Screening and Verification Committee will run from April 20 to April 27.
  • Screening results will be released on April 29.
  • The appeal window will open from May 1 to May 7, with final appeal results to be announced on May 9.

The convention activities will be held from May 22 to May 25 at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja, providing a platform for students to engage in the democratic process and shape the future of their representation.

Historical Context of NANS

NANS, founded in 1956 as the National Union of Nigerian Students, has a rich history of student activism. It was rebranded after the former body was banned in 1978 following the "Ali Must Go" protests, which were a significant moment in Nigeria's student movement. Today, NANS continues to play a crucial role in advocating for student rights and addressing educational challenges across the country.

As the election approaches, Awoyinfa's candidacy represents a focused effort to address contemporary issues facing Nigerian students, from tuition affordability to campus safety. His background as a former student leader and current doctoral candidate positions him as a relatable and experienced advocate for the student body.

The upcoming election is expected to draw significant attention from students, educators, and policymakers, as the outcome will influence the direction of student advocacy in Nigeria for the coming years. With Awoyinfa's declaration and the detailed election timeline now public, the stage is set for a robust democratic process within NANS.