The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, has extended congratulations to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke following his re-election in the August 15 governorship poll, describing the outcome as proof of young people’s growing influence in the state’s politics.
In a statement from zonal coordinator Adeyemo Kayode, the group said the result reflected genuine confidence from the electorate rather than a hollow endorsement, noting that students had lived through nearly four years of the governor’s first term and were therefore well positioned to judge his performance.
According to NANS, students from several institutions — including Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State University, the University of Ilesa, Osun State College of Health Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State College of Education Ila-Orangun, and Federal College of Education Iwo — turned out to vote.
The group described its backing for Adeleke as earned rather than automatic, saying it
had pushed back where the administration underdelivered, raised concerns when students were affected by policy, and given credit where progress was visible.NANS also praised President Bola Tinubu, INEC, security agencies, observers, civil society groups and journalists for their roles in the process.
Looking ahead, the association called on Adeleke to prioritize a broader student welfare agenda in his second term — pointing to needs such as better funding for state tertiary institutions, upgraded infrastructure, functioning campus health services, tighter security in and around schools, reliable transport options, more bursaries and scholarships, entrepreneurship programs, and stronger channels for dialogue between government and students.
The statement stressed that students who came out to vote despite the heat were doing more than casting ballots — they were investing in a future they expect the governor to help secure. NANS urged Adeleke to treat the mandate as a call to make campuses safer, better resourced, and more supportive of students’ post-graduation prospects.
