The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) entered a new era on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, as the newly elected National Executive Council (NEC), led by the newly inaugurated National President, Comrade Babatunde Akinteye Afeez, was officially sworn into office.
​The grand inauguration ceremony, which took place at the NAF Conference Centre in Jahi, Abuja, commenced with accreditation at 9:00 AM, leading to the main event at 10:00 AM. The occasion was widely hailed by key educational stakeholders and student representatives as a historic milestone and the beginning of a vibrant, intellectual, and revolutionary dispensation for millions of Nigerian students.
​In his inaugural address, President Babatunde Akinteye (popularly known as Babtee) wasted no time in highlighting the core focus of his administration. He immediately declared a national state of emergency on the deplorable condition of student hostels across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.
​Describing the accommodation crisis as “pathetically disheartening” and unfit for human habitation, Akinteye warned that his leadership would not tolerate the continued neglect of basic facilities.
​”The state of students’ hostels across our tertiary institutions is pathetically disheartening. Many hostels are in a deplorable and dilapidated condition, and they continue to deteriorate with little or no attention from the relevant authorities,” Akinteye stated. “The welfare, safety, and dignity of Nigerian students can no longer be compromised.”
​Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Amy Igwe, challenged the new NANS leadership to prioritize constructive engagement over chaotic confrontation.
​Igwe urged the new executives to champion student welfare, collaborate with government initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and TETFund.
​she Advocated for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) so graduates become “solution providers” rather than just certificate holders and Promote safer, stable, and more secure campuses nationwide.
​In a congratulatory message, the immediate-past Assistant Secretary General of NANS HQ, Comrade Olatunji Adejuwon, hailed Akinteye’s emergence. He described the new president as a “fiercely independent leader who speaks truth to power.” Adejuwon further charged the incoming NEC to focus on the complete liberation of weakened Student Union Governments (SUGs) across various campuses, restoring their administrative capacity and autonomy.
​The Akinteye-led executive council assumes office with a clear policy roadmap under what has been dubbed the “Epoch Agenda.” The administration has pledged to shift away from archaic methods of confrontational activism, opting instead for Intellectual Resourcefulness and Systemic negotiations, policy alternatives, and strategic partnerships with the Federal Government and institutional heads.
By ensuring transparent allocation of educational funds and federal student support initiatives and preparing Nigerian students to compete in a highly technology-driven global economy through strategic educational partnerships.
