By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Ogun State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has removed its state chairman and four other top officials following findings of constitutional and eligibility breaches.

The decision was made at an extraordinary meeting of the NANS Ogun State Joint Campus Committee (JCC) Senators in Abeokuta. The officials were found to have contested and occupied offices in ways that violated the association’s constitution.

Those removed include Chairman Francis Abiola Gabriel, Deputy Chairman Gbohunmi Zinsu, Vice Chairman (Special Duties) Ademuwagun Sunday Olalekan, Secretary Adeola Hezekiah, and Assistant General Secretary Amodu Imodola Junaid.

A communiqué issued by student union presidents from institutions including FUNAAB, MAPOLY, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, SACOTEC, and others, stated that some of the officials were no longer full-time students at the time of their election, while others had already graduated.

The communiqué cited Articles 15 and 17 of the NANS Constitution, which stipulate that only bona fide full-time students are eligible to hold office and require removal where violations are established.

Invoking these provisions, the student leaders not only removed the officials but also nullified decisions made under their leadership, including a bye-election conducted in December 2025.

To ensure continuity, the senators appointed Comrade Kolawole Sodiq, a 500-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, as Acting Chairman with immediate effect. Sodiq had declared interest in the position during the last convention and met all constitutional requirements.

The student leaders emphasized that the move was aimed at protecting the integrity of NANS and ensuring that leadership positions are held by eligible members.

“The association remains committed to upholding its constitution and ensuring that only qualified, full-time students occupy leadership positions,” the communiqué stated.