The All-Africa Students Union (AASU) proudly participated in the prestigious Magna Charta Observatory (MCO) 2025 Anniversary Conference, held from November 11th to 13th at King’s College London. The delegation was led by the AASU Secretary-General, Mr. Peter Kwasi Kodjie, and included Ms. Margaret Edem Gasu and Ms. Patricia Akowuah Mensah. The conference, themed “What are Universities for? Higher Education Principles, Values and Responsibilities in a Fragmented World” brought together global higher education leaders to reflect on the core mission of universities and the evolving social contract between academia and society. A key highlight of the conference was the Student Engagement World Café Session, where AASU played a central role in facilitating critical dialogues on the future of student inclusion in university governance.
The 90-minute World Café session, held on November 12th, was designed to move from identifying problems to envisioning solutions and building solidarity. AASU’s leadership was instrumental in guiding these conversations across three thematic areas:
Table 1: Identifying Structural and Systemic Challenges
Facilitated by global union leaders, this session laid the groundwork by candidly addressing the patriarchal governance models, token representation, and power imbalances that often marginalise students.
Table 2: Reimagining Student Power and Partnership
Ms. Patricia Akowuah Mensah co-facilitated this discussion, challenging the view of students as mere “customers” and championing their role as genuine partners. The table explored transformative ideas for co-governance and redefined the social contract between students and their institutions for the 21st century.
Table 3: Building Collaboration and Solidarity
Secretary-General Peter Kwasi Kodjie co-facilitated this session, focusing on actionable steps to strengthen global student networks. The discussion emphasized how students can bridge global divides, leverage international organisations like the MCO, and build the solidarity necessary to turn visionary ideas into reality.
The session concluded with a plenary where insights from all tables were synthesized into key recommendations. The discussions underscored that students are not just stakeholders but core members of the academic community, whose voices are indispensable for navigating today’s complex challenges, from political polarization to social fragmentation.
“Participating in this global forum was a powerful affirmation of AASU’s mission,” said SG Peter Kwasi Kodjie. “It is no longer enough to simply have a seat at the table; we must be co-architects of the table itself. The conversations here in London have equipped us with new partnerships and actionable strategies to strengthen student advocacy and solidarity across Africa and beyond.”
Ms. Patricia Akowuah Mensah added, “Co-facilitating the session on reimagining student power was inspiring. It reinforced that the demand for genuine partnership is a global sentiment. The innovative models and bold ideas generated will directly inform AASU’s work in empowering student leaders at the institutional and national levels.”
AASU’s active participation at this high-level conference underscores its commitment to ensuring that African students are integral to shaping the future of higher education globally. The union is poised to incorporate the insights and alliances forged in London into its ongoing initiatives, driving forward a more inclusive, equitable, and student-centred academic future.
