Wondering which are the top 10 university student unions in
Africa? Wonder no more. Africa is home to some of the best universities in the
world. And with the shaky nature of African politics, university students have
not been left behind in the fight for modernization of this great continent. We
take a look at some of unions that have played the biggest role in shaping
Africa’s polity, society and economy in history and currently.
10.Kenyatta University Students Association, KE
Also known as KUSA, the students association of Kenyatta
university students has played an enormous role in shaping Kenya’s university
education. The organization boasts about 30000 members all of whom are very
aggressive in defending their rights at all costs even if it means taking to
the streets. Thanks to this organization, students in this premier university
now have better learning facilities and a fantastic environment to live in.
9.Al-azhar Student Union, EGYPT
Al-azhar student union stands tall when defending students’
rights and shaping matters Egypt politics is concerned. This organization has
in several previous occasions fought running battles with police, fighting for
what its leadership terms as equity and justice for all Egyptians. Not too long
ago, the university president was given the mandate to allow police into the
university premises to quell violence.
8. National Union of South African Students, SA
It’s not possible to discuss the likes of Nelson Mandela
without mentioning this aggressive student union body. Established in 1924, the
union gave birth to some of the biggest names in the fight for South Africa’s liberation
notably Steve Biko. The famous Soweto Uprising was also a brain-child of this
top 10 student union of Africa. NUSAS was dissolved in 1991.
7. Daresalaam University Student Organization, TZ
In a society that is still recovering from an era of
Socialism, Daruso plays a pivotal role in bringing harmony and modernity to
Tanzanian university education. Though not as violent and vicious as some of
the other unions we’ve discussed so far, Daruso’s voice is respected by all and
sundry in Tanzania. The union often organizes charity events aimed to benefit
the local community majority of whom survive on less than $1 per day.
6.University of Lagos Student Union Government, NGA
The University of Lagos Student Union Government was so aggressive
in fighting for its members rights that the government had to ban it 2005. But
since then, calls to have it recalled have dominated the airwaves. The famed
student is remembered for leading a strike that oversaw the burning of the Vice
Chancellors lounge.
5.Cairo University Students Union, EGYPT
In a country that has undergone a great political revolution
over the past two or so years, Cairo University Students Union stands out as
the most aggressive wing of the revolution. Anyone who wants to influence the political affairs of Egypt has to first win the support of this aggressive
group to succeed.
4.Lagos State University Student Union, NGA
Lagos State University is recognized as one of the best
universities in Nigeria for more reasons than one. Its student body is revered
when it comes to pushing agenda that is important to the welfare of the West
African nations. LASUSU’s elections are known to be very competitive. Aspirants
are said to run presidential-like campaigns just to win the majority vote to
head this huge organization.
3.South African Students’ Association, SA
Also known as SASO, the South African Students’ Association
was formed in 1968 to champion for the fight against apartheid. Unlike the
NSUSAS, this one belonged exclusively to black African students who thought that
their white counterparts were undermining their liberation efforts. SASO was
credited with the famous revolution dubbed “Black Revolution”. SASO was however
banned in 1973 amidst increasing state repression.
2.Student Union of Nairobi University (SONU), KE
SONU is one of the top 10 best organized student unions in
Africa. The aggressive organization has played a big role in revolutionizing Kenya.
In fact, some basic rights and privileges that Kenyans enjoy – such as
multi-partism and democracy – were all won through SONU. Some of SoNu’s past
leaders feature in key posts in Kenya’s current government. The union has occasionally
earned itself a bad name among Kenyans who think that it’s made up of corrupt hooligans who simply fight for selfish interests.
1.University of Tripoli Student Union
Talk of aggressiveness, influence and meticulous
coordination and the University of Tripoli student union comes to the
foresight. As you’ll probably agree, not many student organizations can stand
the test of ousting a leader of the stature of Muammar Gaddafi. But the
University of Tripoli Student Union did it which is why, today, we rank it as
the best organized student union in Africa.
Hope you enjoyed getting acquainted with our top 10 student organizations in Africa list. Comments are highly appreciated.
