NANS Southwest Congratulates Adeleke, Demands More for Osun Students After Election Victory

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory in the August 15 Osun State Governorship Election, describing the result as a renewed mandate that comes with greater expectations from students and young people across the state.

In a statement signed by the Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, popularly known as BILLIONCODES, the student body said Governor Adeleke's victory represents more than an electoral achievement, stressing that it also places a greater responsibility on the administration to address issues affecting students and young people.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Adeleke the winner of the election with 511,067 votes, while his closest challenger recorded 444,815 votes.

NANS Southwest said Nigerian students played an important role in the electoral process following months of sensitisation, voter mobilisation, and advocacy encouraging students to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate peacefully in the democratic process.

The association noted that students across major institutions and student communities in Osun participated in the election, demonstrating that young people can no longer be treated as passive observers in the state's political affairs.

It specifically acknowledged students and young people around 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.

The association also appreciated student leaders, Students' Union Government presidents, comrades, and grassroots mobilisers who encouraged students to obtain their PVCs and participate peacefully in the election.

Students Have Spoken

NANS Southwest said students had the opportunity to assess the administration based on their experiences over the previous years and make their voices heard through the ballot box.

The association stressed that its position has never been based on blind political loyalty, noting that it has challenged government policies whenever students were affected while also acknowledging positive interventions when necessary.

NANS Southwest further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allowing the electoral process to take its course and praised INEC, security agencies, accredited observers, civil society organisations, journalists, and other stakeholders who contributed to the conduct of the election.

However, the student body emphasised that Governor Adeleke's victory should now be followed by action and measurable improvements in the lives of students and young people.

NANS Southwest called for stronger investment in tertiary institutions, improved educational infrastructure, better campus healthcare services, enhanced security, improved transportation systems, and expanded scholarship and bursary opportunities.

The association also urged the state government to strengthen entrepreneurship programmes, skills development initiatives, and employment opportunities capable of helping graduates transition successfully from tertiary institutions into the labour market.

According to NANS Southwest, the students who participated in the election were not simply voting for another political victory.

“They were voting for another four years of expectations.”

The association therefore urged Governor Adeleke to ensure that the renewed mandate translates into tangible improvements in education, student welfare, youth empowerment, and opportunities for young people across Osun State.

NANS Southwest congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke and the people of Osun State on the outcome of the election, describing the exercise as another demonstration of the political relevance and growing democratic participation of the Nigerian student constituency.