(DDM) – The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced that it will elect a new national president on May 24, 2026, during its national convention scheduled to take place in Abuja. The convention is expected to bring together hundreds of student leaders and delegates from tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
The election marks a significant moment for the country’s largest student organization, which has historically played a major role in shaping youth advocacy, education policy debates, and national political discussions.
Officials said the upcoming convention will serve as a platform for reviewing the association’s activities, discussing pressing issues affecting Nigerian students, and electing a new leadership team that will guide the organization for the next term.
Delegates from universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education are expected to participate in the voting process, which will determine who becomes the next national president of the influential student body.
The convention is expected to feature several activities including leadership consultations, policy discussions, and presentations by aspiring candidates seeking to lead the association.
NANS was established to represent the interests of Nigerian students both within the country and internationally. Over the decades, the association has become a powerful voice on issues such as tuition fees, student welfare, academic policies, and government reforms affecting higher education.
The organization gained national prominence in the 1970s and 1980s when student movements frequently influenced political decisions and public debates in Nigeria.
Today, NANS remains one of the most visible youth organizations in the country, often mobilizing students to address matters ranging from university funding to national governance.
Observers say the upcoming election will likely attract intense competition among candidates, as the position of NANS president carries considerable influence among millions of Nigerian students.
The leadership of NANS has often been closely watched by political actors, civil society organizations, and education stakeholders because of its ability to mobilize young people and shape public discourse.
Analysts note that student union politics in Nigeria can also serve as a training ground for future national leaders, with several prominent politicians having previously held positions in student organizations during their academic years.
CNN-style explainer: In recent years, NANS leadership contests have occasionally generated controversy, including disputes over delegate legitimacy, factional leadership claims, and disagreements about election procedures. Because of this history, stakeholders are calling for a transparent and credible electoral process at the upcoming convention.
Student leaders and education advocates have urged the association to ensure that the election reflects the democratic values it promotes.
As preparations continue for the May 24 convention, many Nigerian students are expected to closely watch the outcome, hoping the next leadership will prioritize academic welfare, address rising education costs, and strengthen the voice of students in national policy discussions.
