Official Declaration of Candidature

FORMAL DECLARATION OF CANDIDATURE FOR THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS (NANS) PROTOCOL

Zonal Coordinators and Zonal Executives,
Chairmen and Members of the Joint Campus Council (JCC) across all Zones,
Presidents of Students’ Union Governments (SUGs) nationwide,
Leaders of affiliate and allied student bodies,
Esteemed stakeholders of the Nigerian students' movement,
Members of the press,
Great Nigerian Students.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

With utmost humility and great resolve, I address you today, mindful of this truth, ready to serve, and committed to the cause of Nigerian students. Undoubtedly, our cause is just, and our path is righteous. This aspiration, conceived long before now, is not borne out of an inordinate desire for power or popularity, but rather from an undying will to serve with vigor and advance the overall interests of Nigerian students. 

Through my journey in this noble association, from my days as JCC Chairman, to my tenure as Vice President, External Affairs, to my time as Senate President, I have been able to garner and equip myself with the essential experience required for the apex seat in NANS. In pursuit of this cause, I have sojourned the nooks and crannies of our campuses across the six geopolitical zones of the country, and I can say emphatically that I am keenly aware of our peculiarities, fully mindful of our differences, and deeply conscious of what binds us together; our common interests.

Unoblivious of our evolution over the years, from the defunct NUNS to the operational NANS, our core values have not changed. We inherited from our predecessors the mandate of representing Nigerian students as the premier national students' organisation. It is this mandate that I now offer myself to shoulder with pride and dedication through policy debates, national discourse, students' welfare initiatives, and by harnessing our distinct and formidable ideas as your chief servant, as we continue to cement the organisation as the foremost voice of Nigerian students.

Consequently, I have resolved to throw my hat into the ring, not because the office is coveted, not for self-enrichment or self-gratification, but because my conscience compels me and I see it as the right and honorable course to take. Throughout my years of service in this organisation, I have witnessed the intellectual prowess of Nigerian students, their immense talent, innovative ideas, and unmatched versatility to excel across diverse fields. It therefore beckons me to answer the national summons and shoulder the sacred responsibility of creating new models while consolidating the notable strides of our predecessors. This undoubtedly will provide Nigerian students with the platform to showcase their innate creativity, demonstrate their skills, and enable us to equip and build a generation astute enough to compete in an ever expanding technological world.

I strongly believe that accountability is the foundation upon which credible leadership is built. As I aspire for the apex seat in NANS, it is only noble that I account for my stewardship in the offices I have served. Words are cheap, and I will not make empty promises to sway you. Instead, I rely on my pedigree to convince you that I am best suited to lead, with passion, humility, pragmatism, and vigor. Hence, this is the account of my stewardship as Vice President (External Affairs):

In the early hours of May 13, 2023, numerous students, particularly Direct Entry DE candidates, were stranded at the JAMB office in Ikoyi, Lagos, due to registration challenges and severe congestion. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, I promptly intervened to provide immediate assistance, offered food and support to students who had spent the night at the premises, and engaged directly with the Registrar of JAMB. Through constructive engagement, we secured the decongestion of the centres and obtained an extension of the registration deadline for the affected candidates. I stood at the forefront of the campaign for the evacuation of stranded Nigerian students in war-torn Sudan. I was also physically present at the airport to receive them upon their safe return.

I, alongside other executives from the South West protested ASUU strike, which had shut students out of their campuses across the six states of the Southwest and the country at large. Our demand was clear and unequivocal: an immediate end to the industrial action. Ultimately, our collective struggle yielded positive results, as decisive intervention followed and the strike was called off shortly thereafter.

Similarly, as Senate President, your burdens were my burdens, your pains were mine, and at no point was I silent in the face of injustice. When some FUTA students were unjustly abducted by EFCC officials, I led a delegation to the EFCC Headquarters, where directives were communicated to the Benin Zonal Office to address the concerns of the protesting students. I then proceeded to the Benin office myself to ensure the students’ immediate release.

Furthermore, as Senate President, I strengthened engagement with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) to advance healthcare improvements and laboratory standards on campuses; strongly demanded justice over the tragic death of Alex Chamuke at Ajayi Crowther University; secured the reinstatement of the suspended Students’ Union Government at the University of Benin; held the Dangote Group to account to ensure the immortalisation of the slain students of Adekunle Ajasin University; responded swiftly to the private hostel fire outbreak at Obafemi Awolowo University; and advocated fairness and clarity regarding the Federal Government’s ban on certificates from Universities in Benin and Togo to safeguard affected students’ academic futures.

Great Nigerian Students, without much ado, and without to boring you, I have given account of my stewardship. Though there are numerous historic and landmark achievements I cannot mention now, on this premise, I officially present myself to serve you, advance your interests, and represent you.
At this juncture, I officially declare my candidature for the office of President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). This mandate shall be tagged “EPOCH”.

EPOCH shall be:

• A turning point in leadership, marked by courage, competence, dedicated service, quality representation, and collective advancement.
• The dawn of a new era, where old limitations are dismantled and a bold future is intentionally built.
• A defining moment of transformation, where visionary leadership ushers in a new era of purpose, progress, and student-centered governance.
• A distinct and significant period in the history of our association, marked by remarkable events, transformation, and unprecedented accomplishments. It promises to be a truly blessed era.

Similarly, “EPOCH” represents my five-point agenda:

● EMPOWERMENT: A commitment to building capacity, amplifying students' voices, and creating pathways for excellence. I will pursue deliberate policies and purposeful actions that provide Nigerian students with the leverage, support, and momentum required to thrive and attain greatness.
● PROGRESS: Advancing beyond the present state to deliver measurable improvements in student welfare and academic opportunities. Under this leadership, the status quo will not remain the same; it will be better, stronger, and more rewarding for every Nigerian student.
● OPPORTUNITY: Expanding access to scholarships, mentorship programs, internships, and forward-thinking initiatives that position Nigerian students to compete and excel in an increasingly digital and innovation-driven world, while exposing them to valuable opportunities beyond the walls of the classroom.
● COLLABORATION: Fostering unity, strategic partnerships, and coordinated engagement with government parastatals, institutions, and forward-thinking organisations capable of transforming latent ideas into tangible realities, giving Nigerian students the platform, exposure, and support needed to compete and attain global greatness.
● HUMAN CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT: Human Capacity Development: Equipping students with essential skills, personal growth programs, and practical knowledge that empower every student to thrive, adapt, and achieve independence in any environment.
Now is the time to make history. The dream we have envisioned, an era where every student is empowered, given opportunity, equipped to thrive, and positioned to achieve global excellence is only possible with your support and your vote at the polls.
Today, with utmost humility, I declare my candidacy for President, committed to taking the first bold step towards turning this vision into reality. This marks the beginning of a journey towards achieving and living the dream of transformative progress for Nigerian students. Together, with your trust and support, we will set a new standard, create lasting impact, and make history that future generations will celebrate.

Welcome to The EPOCH Movement. Your vote is the key, your support is the spark, and together, we can take this first bold step towards our shared vision.
Thank you. 

Yours-in-service, 
Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez (BABTEE)
The Vanguard of The EPOCH Movement
Long live the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)!!!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!