By Adeola Badru

A student leader and youth advocate, Sadiq SK Zango, has declared his intention to contest for the position of Vice President External Affairs of the National Association of Nigerian Students ahead of the 2026 National Convention scheduled to hold in Abuja.

The declaration followed weeks of consultations with student leaders and stakeholders across the country and is already drawing attention within national student politics, where it is being linked to growing calls for institutional reform, stronger international partnerships and expanded opportunities for Nigerian students.

In a statement issued to journalists, the aspirant said the office of Vice President External Affairs must be repositioned from symbolic representation to a strategic platform for engagement, partnership building and global advocacy on behalf of Nigerian students.

He said current developments in the education sector and the global environment require a more proactive, structured and results-oriented student leadership capable of delivering measurable impact across tertiary institutions.

“NANS stands at a critical juncture where leadership must move beyond symbolism and embrace strategic engagement, institutional collaboration, and measurable impact.“

“Nigerian students deserve representation that not only speaks for them, but actively creates opportunities and expands possibilities,“ he said.

He explained that his ambition is anchored on strengthening institutional relationships, improving stakeholder engagement and expanding access to international academic and professional opportunities for Nigerian students.

He added that his proposed administration would prioritise structured empowerment initiatives aimed at translating representation into tangible benefits for students nationwide.

Operating under the PEAKY Movement framework, Purpose, Engagement, Accessibility, Knowledge and Yielding Impact, he said his vision focuses on inclusive leadership, strategic planning and impact-driven service delivery within the student union structure.

As part of his agenda, he outlined plans to build partnerships with government agencies, private sector organisations, development institutions and international bodies.

According to him, these collaborations would help facilitate scholarships, student exchange programmes, capacity-building initiatives and broader educational support for Nigerian students.

He also pledged to enhance the visibility and institutional credibility of NANS at both national and international levels while promoting unity and wider participation within the association.

Observers within the national student space stated the declaration added momentum to early political mobilisation ahead of the convention, noting increasing engagements across different regions of the country.

Meanwhile, the 2026 National Convention of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Abuja is expected to bring together delegates and student representatives from tertiary institutions nationwide to elect new national officers.