The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Turkish Zone, has elected David Okafor of Girne American University as its National President for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Okafor emerged at the association’s National Convention held at Cyprus International University on September 12, with delegates from the organisation’s five zones, chapter presidents, secretariat members, observers and other stakeholders in attendance.
The outcome of the convention was contained in a communiqué issued by the Convention Electoral Chairman, Emmanuella Akubuko, and made available by the newly elected Vice-President, National Affairs, Odunze Divine.
Other officers elected at the convention include Mustafa Adamu as Vice-President, External Affairs; Adebayo Emmanuel as Vice-President, Special Duties; Jude Alabi as Secretary-General; Festus Ikenuo as Assistant Secretary-General; Collins Egheneji as Chief of Staff; and Victory Agberia as Financial Secretary.
Delegates also resolved a dispute over voting rights in executive elections, agreeing that members of the Executive Council would vote alongside Senate members, despite an existing Senate by-law that limited voting to senators.
The convention further produced a new Senate leadership, with Idris Usman of Near East University emerging as Senate President after defeating Samuel of Cyprus International University by 26 votes to 13.
Wisdom Ake of Cyprus American University was elected Deputy Senate President.
Meanwhile, the convention suspended the outgoing Senate President, Joshua Silvanus, over allegations of negligence of duty under Article 13 of the NANS Turkish Zone Constitution as amended in 2025.
Following the suspension, Eliana Abraham was sworn in as Acting Senate President for the duration of the convention.
In his acceptance speech, Okafor pledged to prioritise grassroots empowerment and build on the achievements of the previous administration.
He subsequently appointed Jude Alabi as Secretary-General and Collins Egheneji as Chief of Staff, with both officials immediately sworn into office.
The convention also conferred life membership of NANS Turkish Zone on the outgoing president, Daniel Okpala, following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Okafor.
In its resolutions, the convention retained the association’s existing five-zone structure and reaffirmed the new administration’s commitment to unity, transparency and the academic and social welfare of Nigerian students in Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
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