File photo: Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.

The National Association of Nigerian Students, South-West Zone D, has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his victory in the August 15 governorship election.

The association, in a statement issued by its Coordinator,. Adeyemo Kayode, described Adeleke’s victory as a “resounding vote of confidence” and said the outcome showed the growing political influence of students and young people in the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke, the Accord Party candidate, winner after he polled 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who scored 444,815 votes.

NANS said students across major tertiary institutions in the state participated in the election and urged the governor to make their welfare a priority during his second term.

It listed Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun State University, University of Ilesa, Osun State College of Health Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun, and Federal College of Education, Iwo, among institutions whose students participated in the election.

Speaking on its support, the students said, “Our disposition towards Governor Adeleke was not founded on empty sentiment. Students had the opportunity to assess an administration under which they had lived, studied and interacted for almost four years.

“Where government fell short, we challenged it. Where our members were affected, we confronted the issues. Where progress was made, we acknowledged it.”

NANS also commended President Bola Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, election observers, civil society organisations, journalists and other stakeholders involved in the election.

It, however, urged Adeleke to use his renewed mandate to implement a more comprehensive student-centred agenda.

“We expect increased investment in state-owned tertiary institutions, improved infrastructure, functional healthcare facilities on our campuses, stronger security within campuses and surrounding communities, sustainable transportation interventions, bursaries and scholarships, entrepreneurship support, graduate employment opportunities and a stronger institutional framework for direct engagement between government and the student community.

“Our institutions must become environments where students can pursue education with dignity, security and confidence in the future that awaits them after graduation.

“Governor Adeleke must understand that thousands of students and young people who stood under the sun to cast their ballots were not merely voting for another electoral victory,” the statement read.

NANS congratulated Adeleke and urged him to use his second term to strengthen educational institutions and expand opportunities for young people in the state.