VALEDICTORY SPEECH BY COMRADE ADEKANYE MAYOMI ADEBOYE (INEC)
OUTGOING CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS (NANS), JOINT CAMPUS COUNCIL (JCC), ONDO STATE AXIS
ADMINISTRATION THEME: “THE UNIFIED AND REDEFINED ERA”
Protocol.
The respected leaders and elders of our great association, past and present leaders of NANS, national officers, stakeholders of the Nigerian student movement, representatives of government, heads and management of our tertiary institutions, student union presidents, senators, campus executives, members of the outgoing executive council, directors, appointees, advisers, committee members, partners, friends of the association, and my dear Nigerian students.
It is with a heart filled with gratitude to Almighty God, humility, and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today to deliver this valedictory address as the outgoing Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Ondo State Axis.
Today is a significant moment in our collective journey. It is a moment to reflect on where we began, appreciate how far we have travelled, celebrate the milestones we have achieved, acknowledge the challenges we encountered, and recognise the people whose contributions made this administration what it became.
It is also a moment to look beyond the personalities, titles, and offices that have defined our tenure and focus on the institution we have all worked to strengthen.
When I assumed the responsibility of leading NANS JCC Ondo State Axis, I understood that leadership was not simply about occupying the chairmanship or being addressed by a particular title. It was about accepting the burden of responsibility, defending the interests of Nigerian students, creating opportunities, building relationships, and leaving the association better than we met it.
Our administration adopted the theme “The Unified and Redefined Era” because we believed that the future of student leadership required two essential commitments: unity in purpose and a willingness to redefine the way we serve.
We believed that our strength would not come merely from the number of institutions under our jurisdiction, but from our ability to bring those institutions together. We believed that leadership should be measured not by the privileges attached to office but by the opportunities created, the problems confronted, the structures strengthened, and the lives touched.
The Unified and Redefined Era was therefore more than a slogan. It was a statement of our aspirations for a more united, proactive, responsive, and development-oriented student movement.
Today, as I prepare to hand over the mantle of leadership, I do so with gratitude for the opportunity to serve and appreciation for everyone who contributed to this journey.
This administration had its challenges. We had difficult moments, demanding responsibilities, competing expectations, and aspirations that required more time and resources than we sometimes had available. Nevertheless, we continued to work, organise, engage, advocate, and create opportunities for the students we were entrusted to represent.
I am proud of the journey we undertook together, and I am particularly proud that the achievements of this administration reflect the collective efforts of a team rather than the ambition of one individual.
OUR ADMINISTRATION: A JOURNEY OF PURPOSE AND IMPACT
Distinguished comrades, our administration pursued an agenda that extended beyond conventional student activism. We believed that NANS must be a platform for advocacy, empowerment, intellectual development, institutional engagement, entrepreneurship, student welfare, and community service.
Throughout our tenure, we pursued initiatives across these areas, and I am pleased to reflect on the major milestones that defined our administration.
1. STUDENTS TO CEO: EMPOWERING STUDENTS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
On 31 August 2026, our administration hosted the “From Student to CEO” Entrepreneurship Summit in honour of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The summit, themed “Unlocking Ondo State Students' Potential for Economic Growth,” reflected our determination to empower students beyond the classroom.
Through this initiative, approximately 200 students were supported with business start-up equipment intended to help them pursue entrepreneurial ambitions and build sustainable livelihoods.
The equipment provided included hair dryers, clippers and sterilizers, washing machines, generators, ovens, refrigerators, and other essential business equipment.
For us, this initiative represented an important principle: the student movement must not only speak about unemployment and economic hardship; it must also explore practical ways of empowering students to create opportunities for themselves and others.
We wanted students to understand that their dreams were valid, that entrepreneurship was a viable pathway, and that the right support could help transform ideas into productive ventures.
I appreciate everyone who contributed to making this initiative possible, particularly the supporters and partners who recognised the importance of investing in young people.
2. NANS STUDENTS ACADEMIC AND CAREER EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT
In October 2026, we organised the NANS Students Academic and Career Empowerment Summit to support academic development, career advancement, and students' preparation for opportunities beyond the university environment.
We recognised that the challenges facing students do not end with admission or graduation. Students require guidance, exposure, information, and the capacity to navigate an increasingly competitive world.
The summit formed part of our commitment to ensuring that student leadership contributes to the intellectual and professional development of its members.
We wanted to encourage students to look beyond immediate academic demands and prepare for the responsibilities, opportunities, and challenges that await them after graduation.
3. THE FIRST NANS JCC ONDO AXIS MAGAZINE
In October 2026, our administration launched the first-of-its-kind NANS JCC Ondo Axis magazine, titled “The Redefining Strides.”
This was an important institutional milestone because we recognised that an association must document its history if future generations are to understand its journey.
The magazine was conceived as a platform for documenting the Council's activities, achievements, programmes, initiatives, and engagements throughout the tenure.
We wanted our work to be preserved beyond social media posts, press statements, meetings, and individual recollections. We wanted future administrations and student leaders to have a record of the initiatives undertaken during this period.
The magazine therefore represents more than a publication. It is part of our contribution to institutional memory, accountability, and the history of student leadership in Ondo State.
4. ADVOCACY FOR STUDENTS OF RUFUS GIWA POLYTECHNIC, OWO
In September 2026, our administration engaged the management of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, over the newly introduced weekly add-on fee of ₦5,000 for late payment of school fees.
Following the engagement, the Council reported securing a review of the policy and the removal of already accrued weekly penalties affecting students.
This intervention demonstrated our commitment to listening to students, engaging the appropriate authorities, and seeking practical solutions to policies that could impose additional financial pressure on them.
We understood that behind every fee increase or penalty is a student and a family trying to meet the financial demands of education. We therefore considered it important to ensure that student concerns were communicated and that opportunities for fairer outcomes were pursued.
5. ADVOCACY FOR IMPROVED FUNDING OF STATE-OWNED UNIVERSITIES
In September 2026, during the ASUU strike, our administration continued advocacy for improved funding and a resolution of the crisis affecting students in state-owned universities.
The Council reported that its advocacy efforts contributed to an increase of over 400 per cent in allocation for state universities.
This issue was important to us because we understood the devastating consequences of prolonged industrial action on students, families, academic calendars, and the future of tertiary education.
We maintained that students should not continually bear the consequences of unresolved disagreements between governments, university managements, and unions.
Our position was that sustainable funding, constructive engagement, and the implementation of relevant agreements are necessary foundations for academic stability.
We also engaged the ASUU-AAUA chapter on 19 August 2026 over the ongoing strike, covering staff welfare, outstanding obligations, government-union agreements, and the impact of the crisis on students.
Through these engagements, we sought to encourage dialogue and practical solutions that would protect the interests of students and support the restoration of academic activities.
6. THE OFFICIAL NANS JCC ONDO AXIS WEBSITE
On 31 August 2026, our administration launched the official website of NANS JCC Ondo Axis through the Office of the General Secretary, Comrade Oladele Oluwafemi Emmanuel, popularly known as Fresh Diamond.
This achievement reflected our commitment to digital transformation and a more accessible, transparent, and efficient association.
The website was intended to improve communication, disseminate information, preserve institutional records, and strengthen the public visibility of the Council.
We understood that in a digital age, an association that wishes to remain relevant must embrace the tools that make information accessible and institutional activities easier to document.
I particularly appreciate the Office of the General Secretary for its role in this initiative and every person who contributed to the development and launch of the platform.
7. STATEWIDE SPORTS FESTIVAL
Between 24 and 28 August 2026, our administration organised a statewide sports festival at Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo.
Through the Office of the Director of Sports, Comrade Ayobami John, popularly known as Sugar, the festival brought together students from institutions across Ondo State for football, tennis, athletics, and other sporting activities.
The festival reflected our belief that student development is not limited to academics and activism. Sports promote discipline, teamwork, healthy competition, friendship, and institutional unity.
By bringing students from different institutions together, we created an opportunity for interaction beyond campus boundaries and strengthened the spirit of belonging within the association.
I appreciate the Office of the Director of Sports and everyone who contributed to the organisation of this event.
8. THE FIRST EDITION OF NANS WEEK: THE UNIFIED NANS WEEK
In August 2026, we organised the first edition of NANS Week, themed “The Unified NANS Week.”
The programme featured the “Anatomy of Power” symposium and an inter-institutional quiz competition organised through the Office of the Vice Chairman, Comrade Abiodun Victor Ayomide.
All nine institutions across Ondo State participated in the quiz competition, demonstrating the potential of collaborative student engagement.
The first, second, and third-placed institutions received prizes of ₦200,000, ₦150,000, and ₦100,000, respectively.
The programme was an expression of our adopted theme, The Unified and Redefined Era. We wanted students from different institutions to interact, exchange ideas, demonstrate their intellectual abilities, and recognise the strength of a united student movement.
9. CAMPUS TO COMMERCE: INTER-CAMPUS TRADE FAIR
In April and July 2026, our administration organised editions of the “Campus to Commerce” inter-campus trade fair at Adeyemi Federal University of Education and the Federal University of Technology, Akure.
The initiative was coordinated through the Office of the Director of Socials and Culture, Comrade Egbayelo Ayomide Happiness.
The trade fair provided student entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase products, services, and business ideas.
We recognised that many students possess creative abilities and entrepreneurial ambitions but lack the visibility and platforms needed to reach customers and build networks.
Through the trade fair, we sought to connect students with opportunities for commercial engagement, encourage enterprise, and promote economic interaction across institutions.
10. HEALTH AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS ACROSS CAMPUSES
Between 29 and 31 July 2026, our administration organised health awareness campaigns across the Federal University of Technology, Akure; Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo; and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.
The programme was coordinated through the Office of the Welfare Director, Comrade Hammad Usman Kuyenja.
The campaign featured awareness and screening activities relating to HIV, hepatitis B, malaria, blood sugar, genotype, eye health, and other health assessments.
We considered this intervention important because the welfare of students must include their physical health and access to information that can help them make responsible decisions.
Our objective was to promote health awareness, encourage early screening, and strengthen the culture of preventive healthcare among students.
11. PERMANENT VOTER'S CARD MOBILISATION
As part of The Unified NANS Week in July 2026, our administration organised a three-day Permanent Voter's Card mobilisation exercise across campuses in Ondo State.
The initiative was coordinated through the Office of the Vice Chairman, Comrade Abiodun Victor Ayomide, and recorded approximately 1,200 student registrations.
This initiative reflected our conviction that students must be active participants in the democratic process.
We believed that the future of Nigeria requires young people who understand their civic responsibilities and recognise the importance of participating in elections and other democratic processes.
Our administration therefore sought to encourage students to take practical steps towards electoral participation and responsible citizenship.
12. MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM
On 30 June 2026, we organised a symposium on men's mental health, themed “Men's Mental Health: Breaking the Silence, Building Support and Promoting Emotional Well-being.”
The programme was organised through the Office of the Vice Chairman, Inter-Campus, Comrade Medoye Taiwo.
The symposium encouraged open conversations about emotional well-being, mental health challenges, and the importance of building supportive environments for men.
We recognised that mental health is an important aspect of student welfare and that the pressure associated with academics, finances, relationships, and personal expectations can affect students in different ways.
By creating space for discussion, we sought to encourage understanding, reduce stigma, and promote stronger support systems.
13. STATEWIDE RADIO DIALOGUE ON SAFER CAMPUSES
In June 2026, our administration organised a statewide radio dialogue on safer campuses, hostels, and regulated housing.
The programme, themed “Protecting Our Students: Security and Fair Rent Reforms,” was broadcast through major Ondo State stations, including FUTA Radio, Crest FM, and RUGIPO FM.
This initiative reflected our concern about student security, accommodation conditions, and the responsibilities of the different stakeholders involved in providing safe environments for students.
We recognised that access to education is closely connected to the availability of safe accommodation and a secure environment in which students can study and live.
Through the radio dialogue, we sought to broaden public discussion and encourage responsible engagement with the issues affecting students beyond the classroom.
14. THE “THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX” INITIATIVE
On 11 June 2026, our administration organised the “Think Outside the Box” initiative through the Office of the Director of Socials and Culture, Comrade Egbayelo Ayomide Happiness.
The programme was designed to encourage creativity, innovative thinking, and intellectual engagement among students.
We believed that the student movement should provide opportunities for young people to question assumptions, explore ideas, and develop the confidence to approach challenges differently.
The initiative reflected our determination to promote a culture of ideas, innovation, and constructive student participation.
15. PARTICIPATION IN THE NANS NATIONAL ELECTION
In May 2026, our administration participated in the NANS National Election and successfully delivered the President, Distinguished Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, popularly known as GCNS.
This milestone represented our participation in the wider national student movement and our contribution to the leadership process of the association.
We recognised the importance of national engagement, inter-council cooperation, and the responsibility of state structures to participate meaningfully in the affairs of the national body.
16. ORPHANAGE OUTREACH
On 9 May 2026, our administration organised an orphanage outreach through the Office of the Vice Chairman, Inter-Campus, Comrade Medoye Taiwo.
The outreach was designed to extend care, support, and goodwill to children in orphanage homes.
We believe that student leadership must retain a sense of humanity and social responsibility. Beyond advocating for students, we must also recognise the needs of vulnerable members of our wider society.
The outreach reflected our belief that kindness, compassion, and service should remain important values within the student movement.
17. “THE HARMONY OF AUTONOMY” SYMPOSIUM
On 10 April 2026, our administration organised the symposium titled “The Harmony of Autonomy: Nurturing Communities Through Local Leadership.”
The programme encouraged discussion on local leadership, autonomy, and community development.
We recognised that effective leadership requires an understanding of the relationship between institutional independence, community participation, and collective responsibility.
The symposium therefore provided an opportunity to reflect on how local leadership structures can contribute to development and how communities can be strengthened through meaningful participation.
18. REDEFINING SECRETARIAT FUNCTIONS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
On 7 February 2026, our administration organised the programme titled “Secretariat Functions Redefined” through the Office of the General Secretary, Comrade Oladele Oluwafemi Emmanuel, popularly known as Fresh Diamond.
The programme was themed “Evolving from Mere Documentation: Introduction of Technological Tools to Enhance Smooth Delivery of Secretarial Duties.”
It reflected our commitment to improving administrative efficiency through technology.
We recognised that effective secretarial work requires more than recording meetings and keeping documents. It also requires efficient information management, proper communication, timely reporting, and systems that support continuity.
The initiative was an effort to improve the administrative capacity of the association and encourage the adoption of more effective working methods.
19. NANS SOUTHWEST FORUM OF DIRECTORS OF GENDER ORPHANAGE OUTREACH
On 12 December 2025, our administration planned and chaired an orphanage outreach through the Office of the Director of Gender, Comrade Raheem Jemilat Awoeiza, under the theme “Touching Lives with Kindness.”
The initiative was intended to extend support and care to children in orphanage homes.
It reinforced our commitment to social responsibility and demonstrated that the values of the student movement must extend beyond institutional and campus concerns.
20. COMMUNITY POLICING AND INSTITUTIONAL SECURITY SYMPOSIUM
In December 2025, our administration organised a symposium themed “The Role of Community Policing in Preventing Bandit Attacks on Educational Institutions in Nigeria.”
The programme focused on institutional security and community-based approaches to protecting students.
We understood that insecurity poses serious threats to education, especially when students and educational institutions are exposed to violence and other security risks.
The symposium encouraged discussion on how institutions, communities, and security stakeholders can work together to improve campus safety.
21. STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUG ABUSE
In November 2025, our administration launched a statewide awareness and advocacy initiative against drug abuse.
The campaign promoted drug-free campuses and communities across Ondo State.
We recognised the dangers that substance abuse poses to students' health, academic performance, personal development, and social relationships.
Through awareness and advocacy, we sought to encourage responsible choices, promote healthier communities, and support the broader goal of protecting the future of our students.
22. SPELLING BEE COMPETITION
In November 2025, our administration organised a spelling bee competition at Margaret Mosunmola College of Health Technology, Owo.
The competition was sponsored by Comrade Adewole Adeyemi, with cash prizes awarded to outstanding participants.
This initiative formed part of our efforts to promote intellectual development, academic excellence, and healthy competition among students.
We believe that academic activities should remain an important component of student leadership and that students deserve opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities.
23. NANS VERSUS NAOSS FRIENDLY FOOTBALL MATCH
In November 2025, our administration organised a friendly football match between NANS and NAOSS.
The match was intended to foster unity, collaboration, and healthy interaction among student bodies.
We recognised that relationships between student organisations are important to the broader student movement. Sports provided a constructive platform for strengthening those relationships and promoting mutual respect.
24. SECOND SENATE MEETING
In November 2025, our administration convened the second Senate Meeting at Margaret Mosunmola College of Health Technology, Owo.
The meeting provided a platform for deliberation on issues affecting students across institutions in Ondo State.
We recognised the importance of the Senate as a forum for representation, consultation, discussion, and collective decision-making within the association.
The meeting was part of our commitment to maintaining engagement with the representative structures of the student movement.
25. BUS DONATION FROM THE ONDO STATE GOVERNMENT
In November 2025, our administration received a bus from the Ondo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
The donation strengthened the Council's mobility and operational capacity for student-focused engagements.
This was an important development because effective student representation often requires the ability to travel, engage with institutions, coordinate activities, and respond to issues across different locations.
We appreciate the support and recognise the importance of maintaining such resources for the benefit of future administrations and the wider student community.
26. APPOINTMENT FACILITATION
In November 2025, our administration contributed to the appointment of a NANS comrade as Senior Special Assistant on Technical Education to the Governor of Ondo State, following suggestions and recommendations from the NANS Chairman, Comrade Adekanye Mayomi Adeboye.
We considered this an important opportunity to promote student representation and recognise the potential of young people to contribute to policy and public administration.
We believe that students and young leaders must be encouraged to participate meaningfully in governance and public service.
27. STRATEGIC COURTESY VISITS AND INSTITUTIONAL ENGAGEMENTS
In November 2025, our administration undertook strategic courtesy visits and engagements with the Ondo State Governor, the Commissioner of Police, the Commandant of the Amotekun Corps, and the Comptroller of Immigration Service.
These engagements were aimed at strengthening institutional relationships, discussing issues affecting students, and improving channels of communication with relevant authorities.
We understood that effective advocacy requires both the courage to raise concerns and the willingness to engage the institutions responsible for addressing them.
Through these interactions, we sought to strengthen cooperation and promote the interests of students across Ondo State.
28. ADVOCACY AGAINST HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK DANGERS
In October 2025, our administration undertook advocacy against the dangers posed by heavy-duty trucks to students in Akungba-Akoko.
The intervention was motivated by concerns about student safety and the risks associated with heavy-duty vehicles operating around student communities.
We pursued the issue with the conviction that the protection of students must remain a priority and that avoidable dangers around educational environments deserve urgent attention.
The initiative led to interventions and positive results, reinforcing our commitment to campus and community safety.
29. INEC INDEPENDENCE DAY INTERACTIVE SESSION
In October 2025, our administration organised an Independence Day interactive session tagged “Nigeria's Journey.”
The programme provided students with an opportunity to discuss Nigeria's democratic development and reflect on the country's journey as an independent nation.
We believed that student leadership should create opportunities for informed discussion about governance, citizenship, national development, and the responsibilities of young Nigerians.
The session was an opportunity to encourage intellectual participation and deepen students' understanding of the country's democratic experience.
30. INDEPENDENCE DAY ESSAY-WRITING COMPETITION
Also in October 2025, our administration organised an Independence Day essay-writing competition to commemorate Nigeria's independence and encourage intellectual engagement among students.
The competition provided an opportunity for students to express their ideas, demonstrate their writing abilities, and reflect on issues relating to Nigeria's development.
We considered this initiative part of our broader commitment to education, creativity, and intellectual development.
31. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD SYMPOSIUM
In October 2025, our administration organised an International Day of the Girl Child symposium through the Office of the Director of Gender, Comrade Raheem Jemilat Awoeiza.
The symposium was themed “Redefining Leadership: What It Means for Girls to Be on the Frontline.”
The programme highlighted the importance of encouraging girls to participate in leadership, challenge limiting expectations, and pursue opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society.
We recognised that building a progressive student movement requires inclusion, equal opportunities, and respect for the leadership potential of every student.
32. “KNOW YOUR GENOTYPE, KNOW YOUR FUTURE” SYMPOSIUM
In October 2025, our administration organised a symposium themed “Know Your Genotype, Know Your Future.”
The initiative promoted health awareness and informed decision-making among students.
We recognised the importance of providing young people with information that can help them make responsible health and relationship decisions.
The symposium formed part of our broader commitment to student welfare and health education.
33. INTER-CAMPUS DEBATE AT UNIMED
In September 2025, during the NANS JCC Ondo inauguration ceremony at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, our administration organised an inter-campus debate.
The competition provided a platform for intellectual exchange and healthy competition among participating institutions, with cash prizes of ₦500,000, ₦250,000, ₦150,000, and ₦100,000 awarded to outstanding participants.
The debate reflected our commitment to nurturing critical thinking, public speaking, research, and constructive engagement among students.
We believed that student leaders must be able to analyse issues, articulate arguments, and engage with opposing views responsibly.
34. NANS JCC ONDO INAUGURATION SYMPOSIUM
In September 2025, during our inauguration at UNIMED, our administration organised a symposium titled “Navigating Through the Trajectories of Student Unionism, Traits and Skills to Emulate.”
The symposium provided an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities of student leadership, the values required for effective representation, and the lessons that emerging leaders can learn from the experiences of others.
It was an important way to begin our tenure by encouraging reflection on leadership, service, and the traditions of the student movement.
35. STUDENT SECURITY AND SAFETY SYMPOSIUM
In September 2025, our administration organised a symposium themed “Empowering Students' Security and Safety: Collective Responsibilities and Actions.”
The programme promoted awareness of student safety and the importance of collective responsibility in protecting educational communities.
We recognised that the security of students cannot be left to one institution or group alone. Students, campus authorities, communities, and relevant security agencies all have important roles to play.
The symposium therefore formed part of our efforts to promote safer learning environments.
36. INAUGURAL SENATE SITTING AT AFUED
In August 2025, our administration held the inaugural Senate Sitting at Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo.
The sitting provided a platform for student union presidents to present and discuss pressing challenges affecting their respective institutions.
We recognised that effective leadership requires listening to the concerns of campus representatives and creating opportunities for collective deliberation.
This sitting helped establish an important foundation for engagement and consultation within the Council.
37. OAU STECH PORTAL REOPENING FACILITATION
In August 2025, our administration facilitated the reopening of the school fees and course registration portal at OAU STECH following consultations with the Vice-Chancellor during an official courtesy visit.
The intervention reflected our commitment to engaging institutional authorities on practical issues that affect students' ability to complete academic and administrative requirements.
We understood that access to registration platforms and timely resolution of administrative challenges are important to students' academic progress.
38. STATE FUNCTIONS AND STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENTS
Throughout the 2025–2026 tenure, our administration participated in state functions, institutional programmes, and strategic engagements in furtherance of students' interests and welfare.
These engagements provided opportunities to represent the association, strengthen relationships, communicate student concerns, and participate in conversations affecting education and youth development.
We recognised that the student movement must remain engaged with the broader society while retaining its responsibility to speak for students.
39. STUDENT LAPTOP REPRESENTATION AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME
In October 2026, our administration represented Ondo State students whose beneficiaries received laptop donations during an official empowerment programme hosted by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, Hon. Sunday Asefon.
This engagement reflected our continued interest in educational empowerment and access to tools that can improve students' learning and professional development.
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, access to digital devices can create opportunities for research, learning, communication, and skills development.
We were therefore pleased to represent our student community at an initiative focused on empowering students through access to laptops.
40. SUSTAINED STATEWIDE REPRESENTATION AND STUDENT ADVOCACY
Beyond the individual programmes and events, our administration maintained a commitment to participating in state functions, institutional programmes, and strategic engagements throughout the tenure.
These activities reinforced our responsibility to remain present in conversations concerning student welfare, educational advancement, youth participation, and institutional development.
We understood that the work of leadership does not always happen at major events or public ceremonies. It also happens through consultations, follow-ups, correspondence, meetings, and the sustained effort required to ensure that student concerns are not forgotten.
As we reflect on these achievements, I acknowledge that some initiatives were completed, some produced immediate results, and others were designed to create foundations for continued work. We must preserve this distinction as we document our legacy and prepare for the future.
THE MEANING OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Distinguished comrades, when we look across the initiatives undertaken by this administration, we see more than a list of programmes.
We see a deliberate effort to expand the meaning of student leadership.
Through Students to CEO and Campus to Commerce, we pursued economic empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Through the academic and career summit, spelling bee, essay competition, inter-campus debate, quiz competition, and intellectual symposia, we promoted academic development and intellectual engagement.
Through our health campaigns, mental health symposium, and genotype awareness programme, we promoted student welfare and responsible decision-making.
Through our engagements on university funding, the ASUU strike, the RUGIPO weekly add-on fee, the OAU STECH portal, and heavy-duty truck safety, we demonstrated our commitment to advocacy and practical interventions.
Through the official website, the magazine, and the Secretariat Functions Redefined initiative, we pursued institutional development, digital transformation, and improved documentation.
Through the sports festival, NANS Week, friendly football match, orphanage outreaches, and community security programmes, we sought to strengthen unity, social responsibility, and cooperation.
Through voter mobilisation, radio dialogues, strategic courtesy visits, and national engagement, we encouraged civic participation and strengthened relationships with relevant stakeholders.
These initiatives were different in form, but they shared one purpose: to make our association more relevant to the needs and aspirations of the students we represent.
Our achievements do not mean that every challenge has been resolved or that every objective has been completely fulfilled. Rather, they demonstrate the range of efforts made during our tenure and provide a foundation upon which future administrations can build.
APPRECIATION TO MY OUTGOING EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
At this point, I wish to express my deepest appreciation to the members of the outgoing executive council.
To my Vice Chairman, the General Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Public Relations team, and every other member of the executive council, I say thank you.
Thank you for accepting the responsibility to serve. Thank you for the meetings, the planning, the consultations, the difficult decisions, the sacrifices, and the countless hours devoted to the affairs of this association.
Thank you for the ideas you brought forward, the initiatives you helped coordinate, the engagements you attended, and the responsibilities you carried throughout our tenure.
I understand that leadership often demands sacrifices that are not visible to the public. People may see the chairman at a ceremony or read a statement issued by the Council, but they may not see the discussions, preparation, coordination, and teamwork that made those activities possible.
I recognise the contributions each of you made to this administration.
To the Vice Chairman, thank you for the support and responsibilities you undertook in advancing the administration's agenda, including initiatives that brought students together through NANS Week and voter mobilisation.
To the General Secretary, thank you for the work associated with our administrative structures, the official website, and the initiative to improve secretariat functions through technology.
To the officers who managed finances, welfare, communication, mobilisation, and other areas of responsibility, thank you for your contributions to the collective work of this administration.
To every executive whose name may not appear in a headline or whose efforts may not always be publicly acknowledged, I want you to know that your work matters.
I also recognise that we may not always have agreed on every issue. There may have been moments of misunderstanding, differences in approach, or expectations that were not fully met. These experiences are part of the realities of collective leadership.
I appreciate those who stood firmly by the administration, those who offered constructive criticism, and those who challenged us to reconsider our decisions when necessary.
As we leave office, I hope we will preserve the relationships we have built and continue to value the lessons we have learned together.
Our tenure may be ending, but the contribution we made as a team will remain part of the history of NANS JCC Ondo State Axis.
TO OUR DIRECTORS, APPOINTEES, ADVISERS, AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS
To all directors, special advisers, coordinators, committee members, representatives, and other appointees who served under this administration, I extend my sincere appreciation.
You accepted responsibilities that required commitment, time, cooperation, and a willingness to contribute to our collective objectives.
I recognise the contributions of the Office of the Director of Sports, the Office of the Welfare Director, the Office of the Director of Socials and Culture, the Office of the Director of Gender, the Office of the General Secretary, and the Office of the Vice Chairman, alongside every other office and appointee that supported our programmes.
To Comrade Ayobami John, popularly known as Sugar, thank you for your role in the statewide sports festival.
To Comrade Hammad Usman Kuyenja, thank you for the work associated with the health awareness campaigns.
To Comrade Egbayelo Ayomide Happiness, thank you for contributing to the Campus to Commerce trade fair and the Think Outside the Box initiative.
To Comrade Raheem Jemilat Awoeiza, thank you for your work associated with the gender-focused symposium and orphanage outreach.
To Comrade Medoye Taiwo, thank you for your role in the men's mental health symposium and orphanage outreach.
To Comrade Abiodun Victor Ayomide, thank you for your contributions through the Office of the Vice Chairman, including NANS Week and voter mobilisation.
To Comrade Oladele Oluwafemi Emmanuel, popularly known as Fresh Diamond, thank you for the work associated with the official website and the effort to strengthen secretariat functions.
I also appreciate every other director, appointee, adviser, and committee member who accepted responsibility and contributed to the administration's work.
I know that not every contribution is captured in a photograph, programme booklet, or achievement poster. Some efforts happened quietly, but they were still valuable to our collective journey.
Thank you for your commitment, your sacrifices, and your willingness to serve.
TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS AND PARTNERS
To our stakeholders, institutional partners, government representatives, private-sector supporters, community leaders, and every individual or organisation that supported our administration, I express my profound gratitude.
No student association can achieve meaningful progress in isolation. Our ability to organise programmes, pursue advocacy, create opportunities, and engage institutions depends partly on the willingness of stakeholders to listen, collaborate, and support constructive initiatives.
To His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the Ondo State Government, we appreciate the engagement and support associated with our administration, including the donation of a bus to strengthen the Council's mobility and operational capacity.
We recognise the importance of this support to the Council's ability to undertake student-focused engagements across the state.
To the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and all those who supported the Students to CEO initiative, we express our gratitude for the role played in creating opportunities for student entrepreneurship and empowerment.
To the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, Hon. Sunday Asefon, we appreciate the opportunity to represent Ondo State students at the student laptop empowerment programme.
To the Commissioner of Police, the Commandant of the Amotekun Corps, the Comptroller of Immigration Service, and other authorities with whom we engaged, thank you for the opportunities for dialogue and institutional cooperation.
To the managements of our tertiary institutions, including Adeyemi Federal University of Education, the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, and the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, we appreciate the engagements and opportunities for collaboration.
To every sponsor, supporter, partner, and well-wisher who contributed to our competitions, summits, welfare activities, and other initiatives, we thank you.
Your support helped create opportunities for students and strengthened our capacity to pursue the goals of this administration.
We may not have agreed on every issue, but we appreciate the value of dialogue and constructive engagement. We hope that the relationships established during our tenure will continue to benefit the association and the students we represent.
TO THE ELDERS, LEADERS, AND FORMER OFFICERS OF NANS
To our national leaders, former chairmen, past NANS officers, respected elders, mentors, advisers, and all leaders of the Nigerian student movement, I extend my deepest appreciation.
You represent a wealth of experience, sacrifice, institutional knowledge, and leadership lessons upon which the current generation must continue to build.
The opportunity to serve as Chairman of NANS JCC Ondo State Axis did not emerge in isolation. It came through an established tradition of student activism, collective struggle, and leadership shaped by those who served before us.
I recognise the people who laid the foundations, defended the association during difficult moments, and ensured that the platform remained available for subsequent generations.
To those who guided us privately, offered constructive criticism, encouraged us during difficult periods, and reminded us of the responsibilities attached to our office, thank you.
To our national leadership, thank you for the solidarity and sense of belonging within the wider NANS family.
To our elders and former leaders, I hope we have honoured the tradition of service you entrusted to us and contributed something meaningful to the continuing history of the association.
I also hope that the next generation will approach leadership with humility, respect for institutional memory, and a willingness to learn from the experiences of those who came before them.
TO THE STUDENT UNION PRESIDENTS, SENATORS, AND CAMPUS LEADERS
To every student union president, senator, campus executive, faculty representative, departmental leader, and student organiser across Ondo State, I say thank you.
You are an important part of the structure of our association. You remain close to the students whose concerns we are expected to represent, and your participation is essential to understanding the realities across our campuses.
I appreciate your contributions to our meetings, programmes, discussions, and collective efforts throughout this administration.
I encourage you to continue placing the interests of students above personal disagreements and institutional rivalries.
Our institutions may differ in size, resources, priorities, and experiences, but we share a common responsibility to promote educational advancement and student welfare.
Let us continue to build bridges across campuses, strengthen communication, and create an environment where every institution has a voice.
The strength of NANS JCC Ondo State Axis lies not in one office or one institution, but in the collective participation of the entire student community.
TO THE STUDENTS OF ONDO STATE
My dear Nigerian students, you remain the reason this association exists.
Every summit, symposium, campaign, competition, advocacy effort, outreach, and empowerment initiative undertaken during this administration was connected, directly or indirectly, to our responsibility to serve you.
We sought to create opportunities, communicate your concerns, support your welfare, and encourage your participation in matters affecting your education and future.
We organised initiatives to support entrepreneurship, intellectual development, health awareness, sports, civic participation, campus safety, and institutional engagement because we believed that the needs of students extend beyond the classroom.
However, I acknowledge that many challenges remain. The cost of education, financial hardship, accommodation concerns, unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and disruptions to academic activities continue to require attention.
No administration can resolve every problem within a single tenure. What matters is the willingness to confront those problems, pursue practical solutions, and leave behind a foundation upon which others can build.
I encourage you to remain active, informed, responsible, and committed to the future of our association.
Hold your leaders accountable. Participate in constructive discussions. Support initiatives that create opportunities. And remember that the strength of a student movement ultimately depends on the people it represents.
TO THOSE WHO CRITICISED US AND THOSE WE MAY HAVE DISAPPOINTED
Distinguished comrades, no administration is without its shortcomings.
There may have been occasions when our decisions did not satisfy everyone, when our communication could have been better, or when some expectations were not fully met.
There may also have been individuals who felt overlooked, misunderstood, or disappointed by aspects of our leadership.
To anyone who experienced such moments, I sincerely ask for understanding and forgiveness.
I believe that leadership requires not only the courage to make decisions but also the humility to acknowledge that we may not always get everything right.
Constructive criticism can help us improve. Disagreement can broaden our understanding. And difficult experiences can teach us lessons that success alone may never reveal.
As I leave office, I do not wish to carry bitterness or resentment towards anyone. I choose instead to appreciate the lessons, recognise the relationships, and acknowledge the opportunities for growth that this journey has provided.
Our differences should never be greater than our shared responsibility to the students we represent.
I hope that, beyond this administration, we can continue to work together with mutual respect and a common commitment to the progress of NANS JCC Ondo State Axis.
THE UNIFIED AND REDEFINED ERA: THE LEGACY WE LEAVE BEHIND
Distinguished leaders, comrades, and stakeholders, our administration's theme, “The Unified and Redefined Era,” represented our aspiration to build a student movement that is more united in purpose, more responsive to students' needs, and more willing to embrace new ideas.
We sought to demonstrate that NANS can be a platform for intellectual development, entrepreneurship, civic participation, institutional engagement, social responsibility, and practical interventions.
The official website and the first NANS JCC Ondo Axis magazine were efforts to strengthen our institutional identity and preserve our history.
The Students to CEO summit, Campus to Commerce trade fair, academic and career empowerment summit, and student laptop representation reflected our commitment to opportunities beyond conventional student activism.
Our health campaigns, mental health symposium, security initiatives, and advocacy on educational funding and student welfare demonstrated our recognition of the challenges students face in their daily lives.
Our NANS Week, statewide sports festival, inter-campus debate, quiz competition, and other intellectual activities represented our determination to bring students together and promote healthy engagement across institutions.
Our courtesy visits, radio dialogues, policy engagements, and interventions reflected the importance we placed on constructive relationships and purposeful advocacy.
These efforts were not perfect, and some initiatives will require further development. Nevertheless, they form part of our contribution to the continuing journey of the association.
As we leave office, I hope our administration will be remembered not only for the programmes we organised but also for the principles we sought to uphold: unity, service, accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to student advancement.
The next administration will have its own vision, priorities, and challenges. I encourage it to build on the foundations established, preserve what has worked, improve what requires attention, and pursue new opportunities with courage and integrity.
Leadership should not be a contest in which each incoming administration seeks to erase the contributions of its predecessors. It should be a continuing process in which every generation learns, improves, and leaves the institution stronger than it found it.
Let the transition from this administration to the next reflect maturity and institutional continuity.
Let our disagreements give way to cooperation.
Let our shared purpose remain greater than our individual ambitions.
And let the spirit of The Unified and Redefined Era continue to guide the future of NANS JCC Ondo State Axis.
MY FINAL WORDS
As I prepare to leave the office of Chairman, I do so with a grateful heart.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. I am grateful for the people who supported this administration. I am grateful for the challenges that tested our resolve and the experiences that strengthened our understanding of leadership.
To my outgoing executive council, thank you for standing with me throughout this journey.
To our directors, appointees, advisers, and committee members, thank you for accepting the responsibility to serve.
To our stakeholders, partners, sponsors, and institutional authorities, thank you for your cooperation and support.
To our elders, mentors, former chairmen, and national leaders, thank you for your guidance and encouragement.
To our student union presidents, senators, and campus representatives, thank you for your participation and commitment.
To the students of Ondo State, thank you for giving this administration a purpose greater than ourselves.
I recognise that the conclusion of our tenure does not mean the end of the work. There are still challenges to confront, opportunities to pursue, and structures to strengthen. I hope the incoming administration will approach these responsibilities with renewed determination.
I leave office without claiming perfection, but with gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the development of our association.
I leave with respect for those who supported us, appreciation for those who challenged us, and goodwill towards those who will take up the responsibility after us.
I leave with the conviction that leadership is temporary, but service can leave a lasting mark.
The chairmanship may end, the administration may conclude, and a new chapter may begin, but our commitment to the welfare and advancement of Nigerian students must continue.
I may be leaving the office of Chairman, but I am not leaving the student movement.
I will continue to believe in the potential of Nigerian students, the importance of responsible leadership, and the need to build institutions that serve people beyond the tenure of any individual.
May NANS JCC Ondo State Axis continue to grow in unity, credibility, and institutional strength.
May our leaders always remember that leadership is a responsibility, not merely a privilege.
May our association continue to defend the interests of students, create opportunities for young people, and contribute meaningfully to educational and social development.
And may the spirit of “The Unified and Redefined Era” remain a lasting reminder that our greatest achievements are possible when we unite around a common purpose.
Finally, I give all glory to Almighty God for the strength, wisdom, protection, and grace to serve throughout this journey.
Thank you for the opportunity to lead.
Thank you for the sacrifices you made.
Thank you for the support you offered.
Thank you for the lessons you taught me.
And thank you for being part of this chapter in the history of NANS JCC Ondo State Axis.
I am Comrade Adekanye Mayomi Adeboye, popularly known as INEC, the outgoing Chairman of NANS JCC Ondo State Axis. I bow out with gratitude, humility, and a firm belief that the work of building a stronger student movement must continue beyond any single administration.
Long live NANS!
Long live NANS JCC Ondo State Axis!
Long live the Nigerian student movement!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Thank you, and God bless you all.
