Comrade Yusuf Abdulquadir Eleburuke has emerged as the Chairman-elect of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Kwara Joint Campus Committee (JCC) Axis, following a hotly contested election at the convention held in Ilorin on Saturday.
The election, which drew twenty-two (22) accredited campus senators representing eleven (11) higher institutions across Kwara State, saw Eleburuke pull twelve (12) votes to defeat his closest rival, Comrade Aloba, who secured nine (9) votes with one vote declared invalid.
The exercise, though transparent, was not without drama. Security operatives comprising the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had to intervene swiftly to quell a violent disruption.
9japarrot media reports that a disgruntled faction reportedly led by student representatives from Kwara State University (KWASU), allegedly attempted to disrupt proceedings and vandalize property before law enforcement restored order.
Declaring the results, the Convention Chairman, Comrade Abdullateef Olakanmi (Felepoly), noted that the electoral process was executed strictly in line with constitutional provisions, urging the entire student body to rally behind the new executive council.
In his valedictory address, the outgoing NANS Kwara JCC Chairman, Comrade Issa Abdulgafar Arikewuyo (popularly known as Soaty) praised the resilience of the delegates and debunked widespread rumors that the student election was heavily financed by external political forces.
“Our association remains an independent student pressure group,” Arikewuyo maintained.
“We are not sponsored by any opposition party or political group, nor are we antagonistic toward the government of the day. We only demand that the government remain upright, avoid the marginalization of students, and invest deeply in education. No political actor midwifed this victory; the voice of Kwara students won.” He added.
He further commended the security agencies for their exceptional performance in ensuring that the democratic process was completed safely.
Delivering his inaugural acceptance speech at the press conference following his declaration, the newly elected Chairman, Comrade Eleburuke, expressed humility at the mandate given by the twenty-two senators. He declared that his administration would operate an open-door policy, regardless of institutional or political differences.
“This is not a personalized victory, it is a mandate given by Nigerian students schooling in Kwara State, and we shall protect it with everything humanly possible,” Eleburuke said.
Outlining his administration’s vision, tagged “The Impact That Speaks,” Eleburuke listed key pillars of action including strict student welfare, academic advancement, institutional harmony, and constructive partnerships with stakeholders.
He extended a hand of fellowship to his opponents but issued a stern warning to anyone intending to weaponize student politics for selfish, divisive aims.
“The election is over, the real work has just begun. We acknowledge the efforts of the Kwara State Government on student welfare, but like Oliver Twist, we will continue to constructively demand more for our people. Let those who trade in division desist; we will remain focused on accountability,” he added.
The Communiqué Drafting Committee led by Comrade Karatu (Chairman), Saheed Olalekan Ishola (Secretary), and Muhammad Adam Apalando (PRO) officially ratified the newly elected executives to run the affairs of the JCC Axis.
The official list of the new Executives obtained by 9japarrot media are:
Chairman: Yusuf Abdulquadir Eleburuke
Secretary: Muhammed Khabir
Public Relations Officer: Ahmed Ajibola Idris
Sports Director: Bello Usman Ayodeji
Welfare Director: Oyekan Aishat Ayomide
Director of Gender Affairs: Abdulfatai Aminat
Vice Chairman (Administration): Kolade Samuel
Assistant General Secretary (AGS): Salaudeen Aminullahi Olamilekan
Director of Action and Mobilization: Isiaq Habeebullahi
Financial Secretary: Sulaiman Soliu Bolaji
Ex-Officio I: Jamiu Sulaiman Ayomide
Ex-Officio II: Sikiru Sayidat Ayigoro
