The national president, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Olushola Oladoja has vowed to resist all forms arbitrary tuition hike by tertiary institutions across the country.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Oladoja pledged to pursue improved welfare of students.

Oladoja, who was joined by the newly elected executive officers of the association, reaffirmed his commitment to build on the legacies of the immediate past President of NANS, Comrade Lucky Emonefe.

The postgraduate student of the University of Jos emerged winner after polling 300 votes in a keenly contested convention held at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

He defeated Salauhudeen Suleiman, a student of Yakubu Gowon University (University of Abuja) and Gambo Abubakar from Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, Niger State.

He said his leadership marks the dawn of a new era that would consolidate on past achievements while introducing a pragmatic approach to improving students’ welfare and the education system in Nigeria.

As part of his agenda, Oladoja has outlined plans for a nationwide campus tour aimed at addressing pressing issues in tertiary institutions and fostering a more inclusive, student-centered leadership.

He commended the NANS Independent Convention Planning Committee, led by Prince Koyoyo, for organising a free, fair, and credible convention, saying their dedication, transparency, and commitment ensured the success of the process, and history will remember their efforts.

He said: “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the immediate-past leadership of NANS, led by Comr. Lucky Emonefe (National President) and Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez (Senate President).

Their contributions to the struggle for students’ rights, better welfare, and quality education will always be acknowledged.

I pledge to build on the solid foundation they have laid while advancing the cause of Nigerian students.

“I deeply appreciate the Students’ Union Presidents (Senators) from all tertiary institutions across the federation for their patience, cooperation, and unwavering trust in me.

Your confidence in my leadership is an inspiration, and I assure you that under my watch, NANS will be campus-oriented, focusing on grassroots engagement and real-time advocacy for students’ welfare.

“As a demonstration of our commitment, I hereby announce the immediate commencement of a nationwide campus tour to assess the state of welfare and facilities across our tertiary institutions.

This tour will enable us to gather firsthand information on the pressing issues facing Nigerian students and ensure that we engage the relevant authorities for necessary interventions.”

According to him, NANS remains a formidable force in nation-building, and under his leadership, it will continue to stand in solidarity with the Nigerian masses in the struggle for national development.

Nigerian students have a vital role to play in shaping the future of our great nation, and NANS will ensure that students’ voices are heard on matters of national interest.

“To all my co-contenders in this election, I say this is a victory for all. In the Fortune Era, there are no victors or vanquished. We are all partners in progress, and I extend my hand of fellowship to work with everyone in the collective interest of Nigerian students.

Together, we will run an all-inclusive NANS administration that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of students across the country.

“Conclusively, this is a new dawn for NANS. It is a time to consolidate, to renew, and to redefine our approach toward ensuring a better future for Nigerian students.

“I urge all students to remain united, focused, and committed to our collective struggle,” he added.

Immediate past President of NANS, Comrade Lucky Emonefe expressed confidence in the new leadership of NANS, he noted was unanimously voted, adding that the election was supervised by all the security agencies and students from across all the campuses in the federation.

He noted NANS is the most formidable youth and student movement and that “under the leadership of Ladoja, like what the students have showcased yesterday, we believe that NANS will continue to move forward.”