The much-anticipated Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Students’ Union election for the 2025 session has officially come to a close, with results emerging from all 14 faculties across the campus. The Nigeria Education News was on ground to monitor the process and report the live outcome as over 8,500 students participated in this year’s democratic exercise under the banner of #GreatIfeDecides25.
In the race for President, Itabi secured a decisive win with 4,036 votes, defeating his closest challenger Akilapa who polled 2,739, and Oba who trailed with 1,752. The mood across campus was calm but energetic following the announcement, with students gathering in small groups to reflect on the victory.
The seat of Vice President was clinched by Iyanuoluwa, who polled a commanding 5,781 votes to defeat Omotola with 2,688 votes. Speaking with The Nigeria Education News, Oyindamola, a student of the Faculty of Education, said, “Iyanuoluwa’s win represents a push for inclusiveness. She’s relatable and always engages students on real issues.”
For the highly contested role of Secretary General, Opeyemi emerged victorious with 5,409 votes, while Janvi garnered 2,961. Many students celebrated Opeyemi’s win, citing her impressive manifesto and track record of service. A student from the Faculty of Arts noted, “She was everywhere during the campaign. It’s not surprising she won.”
Comrade Ola swept the election for Assistant Secretary General, gathering an impressive 7,214 votes, far ahead of Admiral, who only managed 1,110. Reactions across various polling units applauded his consistency in student activism and communication.
In the category of Public Relations Officer (PRO), Wa a là was declared winner with 4,190 votes, while Longman and Alafe received 2,670 and 1,550 votes respectively. Students described the win as “a choice for charisma and clarity.” A Law student told us, “Wa a là connected deeply with the students on social media and offline. His campaign was dynamic.”
The position of Financial Secretary went to Fact, who garnered 4,903 votes, defeating Abdol, who polled 3,293. Financial accountability was a recurring theme during debates and Fact’s victory is seen as a vote of confidence in transparent financial policies.
In the Welfare Officer category, Musab was elected with 5,488 votes, beating Cypher who had 2,905. Students welcomed the result, highlighting Musab’s grassroots engagement and focus on campus welfare. According to Damilola, a student in the Faculty of Technology, “Musab is known for helping people even outside politics. He deserves it.”
For the post of Director of Socials, HADO triumphed with 5,324 votes over Nayna, who earned 3,097. His campaign had promised more inclusive and diverse events across all faculties. “HADO’s win means our parties will be fun again,” joked a student from the Faculty of Science.
Tommy clinched the post of Director of Sports with a landslide 5,314 votes, outpacing Malik who polled 1,750, and DARE with 1,296. His victory was widely expected, given his popularity within the university’s athletic community.
Across all 14 faculties, voter turnout was reported to be robust, with more than 8,500 valid votes counted across the positions. The election was generally peaceful, though a few delays and administrative disagreements were observed during vote counting in some faculties like Law and Social Sciences.
In a live chat with The Nigeria Education News, Sunkanmi, a student from the Faculty of EDM, remarked, “This election shows how much students want change. Most winners today are people who built direct relationships with students, not just big names.”
Although some losing candidates expressed disappointment, the general mood on campus remained optimistic. OAU’s electoral commission has promised to investigate complaints of double voting in some polling units, particularly in Education and Science.
