By Our Correspondent
National News – The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced that it will elect a new national president on May 24, 2026, during its annual convention scheduled to take place in Abuja.
The election is expected to attract student leaders and delegates from universities and other tertiary institutions across Nigeria, as the association prepares for a new leadership cycle aimed at strengthening student representation nationwide.
The Chairman of the 2026 Independent Convention Planning Committee, Omotayo Samuel, disclosed the election timetable while briefing journalists in Abuja.
According to him, the planning committee was inaugurated on March 8 by the current NANS President, Olusola Oladoja, in line with the association’s constitutional provisions guiding its leadership transition.
Samuel explained that several sub-committees have been established to ensure a smooth and transparent convention.
These committees include Screening and Verification, Screening Appeal, Venue and Protocol, Welfare and Entertainment, Accommodation, Security, Stakeholders Engagement, Medical and Emergency, Media and Publicity, Fundraising and Finance, Election Management, Transport and Logistics, Contact and Mobilisation, and Accreditation.
Each committee comprises at least 10 members drawn from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to guarantee balanced representation.
The committee chairman also released the official timetable for the convention process.
Pre-convention activities began on March 8 and will continue until March 30.
Nomination and accreditation forms for aspirants will be available between April 1 and April 7, while completed forms must be submitted between April 8 and April 10.
Physical screening of aspirants will take place from April 12 to April 19, followed by verification of studentship from April 20 to April 27.
Screening results are expected to be released on April 29, with an appeal window open from May 1 to May 7. Final appeal decisions will be announced on May 9.
Convention activities will run from May 22 to May 25 at the Old Parade Ground in Abuja.
Delegates are expected to arrive on May 20, while a peace accord with the Department of State Services (DSS) will be held on May 21.
A presidential debate among candidates will follow the same day, ahead of delegate accreditation on May 23 and the main election on May 24.
Founded in 1956 as the National Union of Nigerian Students before being rebranded in 1978, NANS remains one of Nigeria’s most influential student advocacy organisations.
