Opeoluwa declares candidacy for NANS president, promises unity

Comrade Awoyinfa Opeoluwa, on Saturday, declared his intention to contest for the position of president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) leadership.

He also pledges to champion the welfare, unity and empowerment of Nigerian students.

Opeoluwa, a PhD student and former Public Relations Officer of NANS Zone D, disclosed this in Abuja, during a press briefing, where he unveiled his ambition under the banner of the IMPACT movement.

He explained that his decision to run for president of the student body was driven by his passion to advocate for the rights and aspirations of Nigerian students.

He noted that his journey in student unionism began at the Federal University of Technology Akure Students’ Union, where he developed leadership skills and gained deeper insight into the challenges confronting students in tertiary institutions across the country.

Opeoluwa said: “I stand before you not just as a candidate, but as a passionate advocate for the rights, welfare and aspirations of every Nigerian student.

“The mission is to empower Nigerian students by fostering a student-centred approach that prioritises their voices and needs in the educational landscape.”

According to him, his administration, if elected, would prioritize a student-centred approach by working closely with Student Union Government (SUG) presidents across tertiary institutions to address pressing grassroots issues affecting students.

He identified key challenges facing students to include school fee increments, inadequate accommodation, and poor learning environments.

Opeoluwa added that collaboration with SUG leaders nationwide would help strengthen advocacy for equitable education policies that guarantee access to quality education and adequate resources for students.

He further promised to promote initiatives aimed at empowering stakeholders in the education sector and creating opportunities that would benefit students beyond their years on campus.

He added, “As your NANS President, one of my missions will be centered on empowering stakeholders through initiatives that foster sustainable growth and development. I believe in creating opportunities that transcend the confines of our university years, ensuring that the empowerment we advocate for lasts a lifetime.

“I will be the unwavering voice for the countless Nigerian students who feel marginalized and unheard, championing policies that uplift and support our collective interests while fiercely opposing any measures that are detrimental to our welfare.

“My agenda is clear: to eradicate factionalism within NANS and to cultivate an environment where every student can benefit from our collective efforts.

“I envision a NANS that is unified, inclusive, and representative of the diverse tapestry that makes up our student population. Together, we will restore unity across all student structures, forging a path that embraces collaboration over division.”

He explained that his vision is to build a unified, inclusive and representative student organisation capable of effectively advocating for the interests of Nigerian students.

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Opeoluwa also appealed to Student Union Presidents across tertiary institutions to support his vision of unity and empowerment within the student movement.

He urged students nationwide to mobilise grassroots support for his candidacy, stressing that collective action could reshape the future of student leadership in Nigeria.