By Adesina Wahab

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the apex umbrella body representing Nigerian students nationwide and the largest students’ movement in Africa, has officially elected Comr. Akinteye Afeez as President and Comr. Sadiq SK Zango as Vice President (External Affairs) at the just-concluded 2026 National Convention held in, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

The Convention, which attracted delegates, stakeholders, student leaders, and observers from across the federation, marked another significant milestone in the democratic and leadership advancement of the Nigerian student movement.

Following an extensive process of consultations, campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and congress deliberations, delegates overwhelmingly entrusted Comr. Babatunde Akinteye Afeez and Comr. Sadiq Zango with the mandate to lead the Association into a new phase of progressive leadership and strategic representation.

The emergence of Afeez as President reflects the confidence reposed in his leadership capacity, experience, political coordination, and commitment towards protecting the interests and welfare of Nigerian students.

Similarly, the election of Zango as Vice President (External Affairs) underscores widespread recognition of his advocacy-driven approach, institutional engagement, and longstanding contributions towards strengthening students’ unionism, youth development, and external representation within and beyond the Nigerian student constituency.

Over the years, both leaders have remained actively involved in students’ advocacy, youth mobilization, leadership development, and strategic engagements focused on advancing the collective aspirations of Nigerian students. Their leadership journeys within the students’ movement have consistently been defined by resilience, accessibility, consultation, loyalty to progressive ideals, and unwavering commitment to purposeful service.

In their separate acceptance remarks shortly after the official declaration of results, Afeez and Zango expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty, delegates, stakeholders, comrades, supporters, and well-wishers across the country whose sacrifices, prayers, and strategic support contributed immensely to the success recorded at the Convention.

They described the outcome as not merely a personal victory, but a collective triumph for progressive leadership, unity, consultation, and the future advancement of the Nigerian student movement. The newly elected officers further reaffirmed their commitment towards strengthening institutional partnerships, promoting constructive national and international engagements, expanding opportunities for Nigerian students, deepening advocacy efforts, and ensuring responsive, inclusive, and impactful leadership within NANS.

Zango also acknowledged the immense role played by critical stakeholders, allies, and supporters who stood firmly with the project throughout the rigorous convention process, describing their support as a reflection of collective belief in visionary and transformational leadership within NANS.

As the newly elected leadership prepares to assume office, stakeholders within the education, youth, and civic engagement sectors have continued to express optimism that the emergence of Afeez and Zango will further strengthen NANS’ leadership structure, advocacy engagements, institutional collaborations, and strategic representation within national and international spaces.