NANS Outlines Roadmap for 2026 National Convention and Leadership Transition

The Senate of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) officially convened its 89th Senate Sitting and Pre-Convention from February 27th to March 1st, 2026, at the Delta State College of Education in Warri. During this session, the Senate reaffirmed its commitment to the NANS Constitution and the preservation of democratic norms, emphasizing that all activities leading to the upcoming leadership transition must adhere to transparency and due process. The legislative body reviewed the stewardship of the current national leadership led by Comrade Olushola Oladoja, commending the administration for maintaining institutional stability and strengthening stakeholder engagement across national platforms. To ensure a seamless transition, the Senate resolved to provide full legislative support to the Executive Arm ahead of the scheduled 2026 National Convention.

In a significant move to formalize the election process, the Senate ratified the composition of the Independent NANS Convention Planning Committee (I-NANS-CPC), which will be chaired by Comrade Omotayo Oladele Samuel. This committee is mandated to operate independently and professionally to guarantee a free and fair convention. Furthermore, the Senate officially approved May 22nd to 26th, 2026, as the dates for the National Convention, with the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, selected as the host venue due to its strategic accessibility and national outlook. The Assistant Secretary-General was also affirmed as the Chief Accreditation Officer to oversee the eligibility of participating tertiary institutions.

Beyond internal organizational matters, the Senate addressed pressing national concerns, expressing grave worry over the tide of insecurity and its impact on the student population. The communiqué urged the Federal Government to intensify intelligence-driven efforts to combat kidnapping and violent crimes while calling for improved protection of students within host communities and along major travel corridors. Additionally, the Senate advocated for consistent and sustainable increases in budgetary allocations to the education sector, viewing it as a critical investment for national development. The body also acknowledged federal interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as beneficial policy initiatives for Nigerian students.

On the state of various campuses, the Senate received reports from Student Union leaders regarding infrastructure deficits, fee increments, and administrative bottlenecks. It mandated the NANS Executive Arm to engage institutional managements and relevant authorities to resolve these welfare challenges through peaceful dialogue and lawful activism. The session concluded with a call for all aspirants and interest groups to conduct themselves with maturity and sportsmanship during the transition period. The resolutions adopted during this sitting, signed by the Communiqué Drafting Committee and the Senate President, Dist. Sen. Usman Adamu Nagwaza, are intended to guide all NANS operations leading up to the historic assembly in Abuja.