By Abel Japheth Adavize
Abubakar Basiru, a 300-Level Mass Communication student popularly called “Teacher”, won the National Association of Social Science Students, NASSS, presidency in the early hours of Friday, September 11, 2026, ending a 10-year drought for the department.
The election, held on Thursday, September 10, at the Multipurpose Hall, saw Basiru poll 981 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bello Mus’ab Aderoju of Political Science, who got 437 votes. A total of 1,431 votes were cast, with 13 declared invalid.
Voting began at 9:00 a.m. in a largely peaceful atmosphere. Students from Political Science, International Studies, Economics, Sociology and Mass Communication trooped out after lectures to elect new faculty executives.
Tension crept in towards the close of polls as some camps complained of low turnout. Heated exchanges were recorded between supporters, especially those from Political Science/International Studies and the bloc of Mass Communication, Sociology and part of Economics.
Members of the Independent Electoral Committee, IELCOM, and campus security intervened to restore order. Voting ended at 4:00 p.m. and counting began immediately.
The hours of waiting turned the MPH into a carnival. Supporters of the Mass Communication candidate kept vigil with music, dancing and chants through the night.
At 2:04 a.m., IELCOM opened the gates and announced results. Basiru’s victory sparked wild jubilation. Students lifted the president-elect and marched in a convoy around campus chanting “Aluta.”
Fatika, a 400-Level Sociology student, said the election reflected new unity within the faculty.
“It’s nice to see departments finding common ground. Political Science and International Studies came together, while Mass Communication, Sociology and some of Economics also aligned. This isn’t division. It’s how we create competition. Our goal is the betterment of the faculty,” he said.
In his acceptance remarks, Basiru pledged to serve with energy and purpose.
“It’s hard to express my happiness tonight. This is a dream come true. I am committed to serving the faculty and all students with all my efforts. Insha Allah, I will impact lives and be a change-maker,” he said.
He also thanked his supporters.
“I appreciate everyone who stayed with me. The trust you invested in me will not go in vain. Let’s join hands and build a faculty we’ll all be proud of,” he added.
The win is significant for Mass Communication, which last produced a Social Sciences faculty president over a decade ago.
It also follows closely on another milestone: the emergence of Ms Habi Mohammad Abubakar as the first female president of the Mass Communication Students Association, MACOSA.
With two landmark victories in one week, expectations are now high that the new NASSS administration will leave a lasting legacy for students across the faculty.