Comrade Moses Ibeabuchi Onyia has been elected Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) after a keenly contested election held during the association’s national convention in Abuja.
Onyia, who previously served as Pioneer Coordinator of NANS Zone F (South-East) and is currently a Master’s degree student in Philosophy at Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, secured the highest number of votes from accredited delegates drawn from tertiary institutions across the country.
The result of the election was announced by the Chairman of the convention, Comrade Umar Faruk Musa, who confirmed the outcome after a lengthy collation process conducted under tight security at the venue.
The convention attracted delegates from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and was marked by intense lobbying, bloc negotiations, and strategic alignments as candidates competed for leadership positions within the student body.
Following the announcement, Onyia’s opponents—including Olisa Alfred Nwuruku, Charles Ijieoma, Alfred Jicenta Chinedu, Chinalo Okoli, and Kenechukwu Aneke—were reported to have congratulated him, both privately and publicly, in a rare show of post-election sportsmanship.
In his acceptance speech, Onyia described his emergence as a mandate for unity, accountability, and renewed representation of student interests.
“This mandate is a call to service. Nigerian students must speak with one voice, strengthen internal cohesion, and ensure that their interests are effectively represented at all levels,” he said.
He also pledged to run an inclusive administration focused on student welfare, academic reforms, and stronger engagement with education authorities and relevant government institutions.
Onyia further noted that his experience as a former zonal coordinator within the National Association of Nigerian Students National Association of Nigerian Students had given him deeper insight into the challenges facing students nationwide.
He assured stakeholders that his leadership would prioritise unity within the association and work to rebuild trust among different student blocs across the country.
The Abuja convention is expected to define the leadership direction of NANS for the new tenure as the newly elected executive prepares to assume office.
