NANS Hails Adeleke’s Re-election, Demands Student-Focused Policies
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has described the re-election of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, as a strong vote of confidence in his leadership and performance during his first term.
The student body, in a congratulatory statement signed by its Southwest Zone D Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, said students across major tertiary institutions in the state actively participated in the election, contributing to the democratic process.
NANS identified Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Osun State University (UNIOSUN), University of Ilesa (UNILESA), Osun State College of Health Technology (OSCOHEALTH), Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, and Federal College of Education, Iwo, among institutions whose student communities participated in the exercise.
According to the association, its position on the election was informed by an assessment of the Adeleke administration’s performance in student welfare, education and infrastructure.
“Where government fell short, we challenged it. Where our members were affected, we confronted the issues. Where progress was made, we acknowledged it,” NANS said.
The association added that the level of participation recorded in student-populated areas reflected the confidence placed by young people in the continuation of the administration.
NANS also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as a fair democratic posture ahead of the election, particularly his directive to security agencies to protect voters and maintain peace during the exercise.
It equally praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force, election observers and civil society organisations for their respective roles in the conduct of the election.
As Adeleke begins his second term, however, NANS urged the Osun State Government to adopt a stronger student-centred agenda and prioritise policies capable of improving the welfare and prospects of students.
The association called for increased funding for state-owned tertiary institutions, rehabilitation and upgrading of campus infrastructure, improved healthcare services, enhanced security, effective bursary and scholarship schemes, entrepreneurship programmes and initiatives to facilitate graduate employment.
“The first mandate gave you the opportunity to demonstrate what your administration could offer. This second mandate must define your legacy,” the association said.
NANS reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the welfare, rights and interests of Nigerian students while urging the governor to make education and youth development central to his second-term agenda.
