The National Association of Ondo State Students (NAOSS) has been thrown into mourning following the death of its former National President, Comrade Mary Ogunga, who reportedly passed away on Thursday after a brief illness.
Ogunga etched her name into the history of the association in October 2021 when she emerged as the first and, so far, the only female National President of NAOSS, the umbrella body representing Ondo State students across tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Her emergence was widely celebrated as a landmark achievement for gender inclusion and student leadership.
A native of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Ogunga was a student activist who studied English Language at the University of Benin before pursuing a Law degree at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. Before her election, she campaigned on a platform centred on students’ welfare, academic advancement, leadership development and greater participation of women in governance.
Her victory in the 2021 NAOSS election drew commendations from several stakeholders, including the then First Lady of Ondo State, who described her emergence as an inspiration to young women aspiring to leadership positions. Ogunga’s tenure remains a defining chapter in the association’s history, having broken a long-standing gender barrier.
News of her death has sparked an outpouring of grief among former student leaders, colleagues and associates, many of whom have described her as a courageous, intelligent and selfless leader whose commitment to the cause of Ondo State students will not be forgotten.
As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding her illness and funeral arrangements had not been officially announced by her family or the leadership of NAOSS.
The late Comrade Mary Ogunga is remembered as a trailblazer whose legacy as the first female President of NAOSS will continue to inspire generations of student leaders across Ondo State and beyond.
