Nigerian Student Leader Triumphs in Continental Election
In a significant victory for Nigerian representation on the continental stage, Osisiogu Osikenyi has been re-elected as President of the All Africa Students Union (AASU). The election results were announced following the successful conclusion of the first phase of the Union's 14th Elective Congress held in Accra, Ghana on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
The official declaration came from Miss Angel Mbuthia, Chairperson of the AASU Electoral Commission, who confirmed that the electoral process adhered strictly to the AASU Constitution and established Electoral Guidelines. According to the commission, only candidates nominated by member organizations and in good financial standing were permitted to contest.
Continental Mandate for Nigerian Leadership
Reacting to his re-election on Sunday, Osisiogu expressed profound appreciation to the Union and specifically acknowledged the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for nominating him for the prestigious position.
"I am deeply honoured by the confidence the AASU community has placed in me," Osisiogu stated. "Special gratitude goes as well to the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) for nominating me. This mandate belongs to every student who believes in a stronger, more united Continental movement."
The Nigerian leader pledged to continue serving "with humility, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the aspirations of Africa's students and young people."
Strengthening Nigeria's Continental Influence
Osisiogu's renewed mandate positions Nigeria once again at the forefront of continental student representation, significantly enhancing the country's influence within Africa's largest and most historic student movement. AASU, which has been actively advocating for student rights for over five decades, continues to serve as the unified voice for millions of students across the African continent.
The election also saw several other key officers assuming leadership positions across the Union's structure:
- Divine Edem Kwadzoeh (Ghana) as Secretary-General
- Maravilha Kapaia (Angola) as Deputy President
- Alistar Pfunye (Zimbabwe) as Deputy Secretary-General
- Rosália Djedjo (Guinea-Bissau) as Vice President for West Africa
- Valentine Mugun Chepkoech (Kenya) as Vice President for East Africa
- Vanessa Kokoe Ajavon (Togo) as Secretary for Finance and Administration
AASU extended congratulations to all successful candidates and commended member organizations for demonstrating continued commitment to the democratic values that have guided the Union since its establishment.
Future Leadership Selection Process
The Union has announced that the second phase of the 14th Elective Congress will take place on Monday, December 15, 2025. During this session, several outstanding positions across the Executive Committee and Secretariat will be contested, including:
- Vice Presidents for North, Central, and Southern Africa
- Multiple Executive Committee Member positions
- Key Secretariat portfolios including Secretary for Education and Students' Rights
- Secretary for Press and Information
- Secretary for Gender and Affirmative Action
As Africa prepares for the next phase of leadership selection, Osisiogu's re-election is widely interpreted as a strong endorsement of his administration's focus on student empowerment, policy advocacy, and strengthening cross-border collaboration within the African education sector.
The All-Africa Students Union (AASU) represents the largest and most influential student movement in Africa, uniting students from basic education to higher learning institutions across the continent. Founded in 1972, AASU has expanded its presence to all 54 African countries, functioning as the umbrella organization for all African students through national student unions and youth groups from primary to tertiary education levels.
