Liberia: AASU Calls for Policy Reform in Africa

The President of the All Africa Students Union (AASU), Varney Alieu Jarsey, has urged African leaders and volunteers across the continent to redirect their advocacy to important policy reforms, stating that education and individual empowerment hold the key to unlocking Africa’s full potential.

The continental organization, founded in 1972, is intended to champion the interests of African students.

In brief remarks during the official opening of his office in Monrovia, Liberia, Jarsey outlined his strategic work plan and agenda for 2024, focusing on the following: the AASU Executive Committee Meeting, the revitalization of the West Africa Student Union and the formation of the Mano River Student Union.

Others are: the Female Mentorship and Leadership Program, Professional Skills and Digital Education, the Climate and Environment Initiative, the Anti-Drug Initiatives, and the Study Abroad Initiative.
He also used the occasion to rally the fullest support of all stakeholders, participants, and members in attendance to ensure that these programs are achieved for the benefit of young people in Liberia and Africa.
Jarsey said, ''To sustain and consolidate our gains over the years, I urged all members and stakeholders to take bold action in their communities, from volunteering to advocating for important policy reforms. Every effort counts, and together we can make a real difference in the lives of millions.’’
The young Liberian scholar said, as the saying goes, that at the heart of their work lies the belief that education and individual empowerment hold the key to unlocking Africa’s full potential.
Jarsey said, “Our empowered African students are our greatest asset, and we must use all our talents and resources to create a strong and more sustainable future for all.”
Jarsey was declared winner by the Electoral Commission of AASU and sworn in after defeating his rival, Osisiogu Osikenyi Igwe of Nigeria after he provided a more comprehensive and feasible heart-touching and potential agenda compared to his opponent won him the admirations of over 36 member unions of AASU.

The Liberian national was elected President of AASU December 20-22, 2021 at its 13 Elective Congress held in Kibi, Ghana.

The tedious congress was attended by 38 countries in Africa, 19 in attendance physically while the rest joining online. Varney is an astute student leader and a committed freedom fighter who has continuously championed the interests of youths and students in Liberia and the African continent.

Varney is the former President of the Liberia National Students’ Union (LINSU) and the immediate past Vice President of the West African Region of the AASU.

In his position as Vice President of the West African Region of the AASU, he led the ASYS Planning Committee which organized AASU’s highly successful 7th Africa Students and Youth Summit between 24th and 28th July 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The official opening ceremony was graced by several diplomats including South Africa Ambassador to Liberia, H.E Iqbal M.I.D. Jhazbhay, representative of the British Embassy, Monrovia, representative of the Ghanaian Embassy, Monrovia, Human Rights Lawyer, Cllr. Tiawon Saye Gongloe, Cllr. Arthur Johnson, former PPCC boss, Atty. Roseline Kowo amongst others.

Further disclosing his plan for 2024, Jarsey announced that his official will provide mentorship empowerment for African students, an anti-drugs campaign, study abroad assistance and partnership, and most importantly, a girl’s mentorship for future leadership.

For his part, South Africa Ambassador to Liberia, Iqbal M.I.D. Jhazbhay, extolled Jarsey for the launch of the AASU, committing that they will work with the organization in any way possible to provide empowerment assistance.

According to him, the future of Africa is in the hands of Africans, particularly those who are empowered and trained to manage the economic, social, and political spheres of the continent and provide good leadership and governance that shows respect for democracy and human dignity.

Finally, a representative of the British Embassy to Liberia, Cllr. Arthur Johnson, Atty. Roseline Kowo, Cllr. Gongloe, and a host of several other youth and student organizations, in separate remarks, pledged their commitment to supporting the leadership of Jarsey and appreciated the AASU leader for his invaluable service to the young people of Liberia and Africa.

The AASU official presidential office, which had been brought to Liberia, is situated on the 1st floor of the Bright Building, around the diplomatic enclave of the U.S. Embassy, Mamba Point.