Comrade Moses Ibeabuchi Onyia has been elected Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) following a tightly contested election at the national convention held in Abuja.
Onyia, pioneer Coordinator of Zone F (South-East) and a Master’s degree student in Philosophy at Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, was declared winner after securing the highest votes from accredited delegates drawn from tertiary institutions across the country.
The statement was made available to newsmen on Sunday by the Chairman of the convention, Comrade Umar Faruk Musa, in Abuja.
The election, which attracted delegates from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, was characterised by intense lobbying, bloc consultations and strategic negotiations as contenders battled for control of key positions within the student body.
The electoral committee announced Onyia’s victory after a prolonged collation process, amid tight security and a charged political atmosphere within the convention arena.
Shortly after the announcement, Onyia’s main rival, including Olisa Alfred Nwuruku, Charles ijieoma, Alfred Jicenta Chinedu, Chinalo Okoli and Kenechukwu Aneke, were said to have reached out both privately and publicly to congratulate him on his emergence, signalling a rare show of post-election camaraderie among the aspirants.
In his acceptance speech, Onyia described his victory as a mandate for unity, accountability and renewed student leadership across the country.
“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 pledged to run an inclusive administration focused on student welfare, academic reforms, and stronger engagement with relevant government and education authorities.
Onyia also referenced his experience as pioneer Coordinator of NANS Zone F, noting that his leadership exposure in the South-East had equipped him with deeper insight into the challenges facing students nationwide.
He assured stakeholders that his administration would prioritise unity within the association and work to rebuild trust among student blocs across the country.
The Abuja convention is expected to shape the leadership direction of NANS for the new tenure, as newly elected officials prepare to assume office.