Bayelsa State played host, recently, to the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone B (South South) regional convention, where student leaders from across the six (6) South South states converged to elect a new zonal executive.
Among those who emerged from the keenly contested exercise was Comrade Ojumoola Miracle Timileyin, immediate-past Chairman of the Joint Campus Council (JCC) of NANS in Edo State, who was elected Financial Secretary/Treasurer of the zone. Timileyin, a student of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, flew the Edo ticket at the convention and was a prominent figure throughout the build-up to the polls.
In the days leading to the election, Timileyin had declared interest in the position of Zonal Coordinator, a move that drew support from several student blocs within the zone. However, in what many delegates described as an act of political maturity and sportsmanship, he later stepped down from the race following consultations and alignments among key stakeholders. He subsequently threw his weight behind the consensus arrangements that produced the new zonal leadership and went on to contest for the treasurer position, where he secured victory.
Observers at the convention said his decision to bow to the collective will of the association and re-channel his ambition reflected a deep-seated belief in the supremacy of NANS and the need to prioritise unity over personal aspirations. Supporters also noted that his conduct throughout the process reinforced his reputation as a loyal and committed member of the student movement, willing to make sacrifices for the stability of the association.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, Timileyin said his decision was guided by his long-held belief in the supremacy of the association. “I believe strongly that NANS is supreme. Personal ambition must always give way to the collective interest of Nigerian students. Leadership is service, and I am committed to serving wherever the Association deems fit,” he stated.
A delegate from Rivers State, who witnessed the negotiations that shaped the final alignments, described Timileyin’s withdrawal from the coordinator race as “a rare show of political maturity in student union politics.” According to the delegate, “At a time when many would insist on their ambition, he chose consensus and unity. That speaks volumes about his character and commitment to NANS.”
Timileyin’s emergence adds to his growing profile within NANS. As a former JCC Chairman of Edo State, he is credited with playing active roles in mobilisation, inter-campus coordination and student advocacy within the state, earning him recognition beyond Edo.
The convention, which brought together leaders and delegates from the six South South states, was marked by intense consultations, negotiations and last-minute realignments, a familiar feature of student union politics. In the end, Comrade Victor Anthony emerged as the new Zone B Coordinator, alongside other members of the zonal executive council.
In a post-election message, Timileyin thanked supporters across the zone for their sacrifices and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the association in his new capacity. He pledged to work with the zonal leadership in the spirit of unity and collective responsibility, stressing that NANS remains one and united.
With his election as Treasurer, stakeholders within the zone will be watching closely to see how he deploys his experience and networks to strengthen the financial administration of NANS Zone B in the months ahead.