By Abel Japheth Adavize
Victory is in the air as a student of the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has emerged president of the Faculty of Social Sciences after more than a decade without the department occupying the position.
The National Association of Social Science Students (NASSS) election, held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, has finally come to an end, leaving Mass Communication students jubilant following the announcement of the results in the early hours of Friday.
The election commenced at exactly 9:00 a.m. on Thursday and started on a smooth note, as students from various departments within the faculty made their way to the Multipurpose Hall (MPH) to cast their votes after completing their lecture periods.
As the voting period drew to a close, however, tension began to rise among some supporters who felt their voters were not turning up in the expected numbers. The situation was particularly noticeable among supporters of Political Science and International Studies, who appeared increasingly anxious as voting progressed.
This resulted in a number of heated exchanges between supporters of the different camps, including those from Mass Communication, Sociology and some sections of Economics.
Despite the tension, members of the Independent Electoral Committee (IELCOM), alongside security officials, intervened to maintain order and ensure that the electoral process continued smoothly.
At exactly 4:00 p.m., the voting period came to an end as IELCOM officials shut the doors of the venue and commenced the counting of votes.
Although voting had ended, the MPH vicinity remained filled with students eager to see their preferred candidates emerge victorious. Supporters gathered around their respective camps, cheering and expressing optimism as the counting continued.
Fatika, a 400-Level student of Sociology, expressed his excitement over the unity among the various departments supporting their respective candidates.
“It’s nice to see that the departments found common ground. We’re working together towards a shared goal. As you must have known, aside from other seats, the office of the president is only contested by two candidates. This is because the various departments under Social Sciences found a common ground and agreed to produce a representative,” he said.
“Yes, Political Science and International Studies are together, as are Mass Communication, Sociology and some parts of Economics. This isn’t a division; it’s a process that has to be done to achieve a competitive atmosphere. At the end of the day, we all have one goal, which is channelled towards the betterment of the faculty,” he added.
As night fell, IELCOM officials continued the counting process. For many students, however, the night was far from bedtime.
A large number of students, particularly supporters of Mass Communication’s candidate, remained around the venue, entertaining themselves with music, dancing and lively conversations as they waited anxiously for the final results.
At exactly 2:04 a.m. on Friday, September 11, the large gates of the venue were finally opened by IELCOM as officials prepared to announce the winners of the election.
Students hurriedly gathered around the Multipurpose Hall, their eyes fixed on the electoral officials as they waited for the moment of truth.
According to the official results announced by the IELCOM chairman, a total of 1,431 votes were cast, of which 13 were declared invalid.
After the results for the other offices were announced, attention turned to the much-anticipated presidential contest.
Bello Mus’ab Aderoju, a 300-Level student of the Department of Political Science, polled 437 votes.
His opponent, Abubakar Basiru, popularly known as “Teacher”, a 300-Level student of the Department of Mass Communication, secured 981 votes to emerge as the new president of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
The announcement was immediately followed by an uproar of celebration.
Students from Political Science, International Studies, Economics, Sociology and, of course, Mass Communication joined in the celebration, lifting the president-elect in the air as they sang, danced and chanted “Aluta.”
The celebration continued as supporters drove in a convoy around the campus, celebrating the victory and the historic moment for the Department of Mass Communication.
Speaking in an interview after his emergence, the president-elect expressed his excitement and commitment to serving the faculty.
“It’s hard to express my happiness this night as I’m declared the winner. This is a dream that has come true, and I’m actually committed to serving my faculty and the entire students with all my efforts and energy. Inshallah, I hope to impact lives as I see myself as a change-maker,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout the electoral process.
“I also so much appreciate and thank everyone that supported, encouraged me and stayed with me. Inshallah, the trust that you invested in me will not go in vain. Let’s join hands together and build a faculty we’ll all be proud of,” he added.
The victory marks another significant milestone for the Department of Mass Communication, which has waited for more than a decade to occupy the presidential seat of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
The achievement also comes just days after another historic moment for the department, following the emergence of Ms Habi Mohammad Abubakar as the first female president of the Mass Communication Students Association (MACOSA).
With two major leadership milestones recorded within days, the Department of Mass Communication now looks towards the new administration with expectations of a lasting legacy for its students, the faculty and the university community.
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