By: Public voice
The National Association of Public Administration Students (NAPAS) on Friday, 31 July 2026, conducted its departmental screening exercise for aspirants contesting various executive and legislative positions in the forthcoming departmental elections.
The exercise commenced at approximately 11:20 a.m. under the supervision of the Electoral Committee, chaired by Israel Taiwo Okemakin. Other members of the committee included Taiwo Adesewa Praise (Secretary), Oshinaike Ayomide Opeyemi, Odesola Elizabeth Oluwafunke, Alawaye Iyanuoluwa Jemima, and Tajudeen Fathia Adejumoke. And one Mr. David, who, according to the chairman, was invited personally by him to be a part of the electoral committee. Throughout the exercise, aspirants were invited into the screening venue individually according to the offices they sought to contest. Each candidate was assessed through a series of questions aimed at evaluating their competence, leadership capacity, understanding of the responsibilities of the office, and readiness to serve the association.
The screening featured aspirants for the positions of Librarian, Director of Sports, Assistant General Secretary, Financial Secretary, Director of Socials, Welfare Officer, Public Liaison Officer, Treasurer, Public Relations Officer, General Secretary, Vice President, President, and various legislative offices, including Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chief Whip, and Honourable positions. Among the notable incidents recorded during the exercise was the screening of Akinnigbade Enioluwa, popularly known as (tife), an aspirant for the office of Assistant General Secretary. Before the commencement of her questioning, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee addressed what he described as an issue of official communication. According to him, the aspirant had previously sent him a direct message regarding an official matter with the greeting, “Good morning, Israel,” rather than addressing him by his official designation as Chairman. He emphasized the importance of observing proper protocol and respect in official correspondence, stating that although such conduct could warrant disqualification, the committee chose not to take that step.
The Chairman stated that official communication with members of the Electoral Committee should reflect courtesy and respect for office, adding that such conduct could ordinarily attract disqualification. Although the screening proceeded, he gave the aspirant an opportunity to respond to the concern. Throughout the interaction, members of the panel observed that the aspirant neither apologized for the manner in which she addressed the chairman nor acknowledged that her approach was inappropriate. The questioning session continued; however, the panel expressed dissatisfaction with her responses to several questions relating to the office she sought to occupy. Committee members also noted concerns regarding her body language and facial expressions during the interview, which they considered inconsistent with the level of composure expected of a prospective executive officer.
Another incident involved Mariam (Meru), an aspirant for the office of an honorable. Prior to her scheduled screening, she reportedly informed Electoral Committee member Alewaye Iyanuoluwa Jemima that she intended to leave for mosque prayers. According to Jemima, the aspirant stated that she would not be returning afterwards. However, Mariam later clarified to the chairman that she had only said she was uncertain of the exact time she would return. The chairman advised her to attend her prayers and return afterwards for her screening, warning that failure to do so would result in disqualification. As of the close of the exercise, the aspirant did not return to complete the screening. The screening of Nzerem Benedicta, an aspirant for the office of treasurer, also attracted attention. Following her questioning session, one of the interviewers, Mr David addressed concerns regarding what he described as her choice of attire, body language, facial expressions, and overall disposition during the interview. He advised the aspirant to improve her professional presentation and conduct, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and professionalism during official engagements.
At the conclusion of the screening, members of the Electoral Committee deliberated on the performances of the two Assistant General Secretary aspirants. According to the chairman, neither aspirant had performed satisfactorily during the questioning session; however, only one candidate could proceed to the election. Members of the committee, alongside the Editor-in-Chief of Public Voice News Agency who observed the exercise, were asked to indicate the candidate they considered more suitable. The majority indicated support for Adediwura Iyanuoluwa, who was subsequently selected to advance as the eligible aspirant for the office. Following the screening and subsequent deliberations, the Electoral Committee announced the disqualification of Akinnigbade Eniola Christiana from the Assistant General Secretary race and Mariam (Meru) from the race of the position of one of the honorables for not coming back for her screening .Consequently, Adediwura Iyanuoluwa, and the other aspirant for the other positions, emerged as the sole qualified candidate to proceed in the election process. The screening exercise concluded at approximately 5:20 p.m., bringing to an end a day of extensive assessments for all aspirants seeking to serve the National Association of Public Administration Students in the next administrative session.
List of Aspirants
- Librarian: Awonusi Kehinde Christianah, Faruq Ayomide
- Director of Sports: Ibiyemi Emmanuel
- Assistant General Secretary: Akinnigbade Eniola Christiana, Adediwura Iyanuoluwa
- Financial Secretary: Akintayo Iretomiwa Rebecca, Fayemi Zacheaus
- Director of Socials: Apampa Mariam, Jacobs Adesola
- Welfare Officer: Ogulana Omoyeni
- Public Liaison Officer: Godwin Peter Oche
- Treasurer: Nzerem Benedita
- Public Relations Officer: Idowu Regina
- General Secretary: Okedeji James
- Vice President: Balogun Oluwaferanmi Grace
- President: Abass Fisayomi
- Legislative Aspirants: Ilesanmi Omobolanle (Chief Whip), Kolawale Esther (Deputy Speaker), Oguniyi Oluwafemi, Bolaji Ayuba, Bakare Stephen (Speaker), Adebayo Comfort Ayomide, Ojedokun Iyanuoluwa Goodness, Adeleke Mofeoluwa (Speaker). Arogundade Isaac Greatness
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