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The first Congress of the All-Africa Students Union (AASU) was held in 1972 at the University of Science and Technology (UST), now known as Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), in Kumasi, Ghana. Despite facing significant communication, transportation, and financial challenges, representatives from fewer than ten countries attended this constitutive meeting, marking the birth of AASU.
Second Congress (1973) – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: AASU held its second congress the following year, with increasing participation from more African nations. Third Congress (1974) – Alexandria, Egypt: The third congress took place in Egypt, continuing to grow the Union's influence and reach across the continent. Fourth Congress (1976) – Accra, Ghana: By the fourth congress, held in Accra, AASU had expanded significantly, with most National Students' Organizations and Students’ Sections of National Liberation Movements, such as the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa and the South West African People’s Organization (SWAPO), joining the union.
At the sixth congress in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1982, AASU made a historic decision to declare June 16 as African Students' Day. This decision was made in honor of the pupils who were massacred, maimed, and displaced during the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa under the oppressive apartheid regime. The day also stands as a tribute to all African students who have been victims of violence and intolerance.
Seventh Congress (1987) – Luanda, Angola: AASU’s influence continued to grow as the seventh congress took place in Luanda, Angola in 1987. Eighth Congress (1992) – Accra, Ghana: AASU returned to Accra in 1992 for its eighth congress, solidifying its leadership role in student movements across Africa.
Ninth Congress (2000) – Tripoli, Libya: The ninth congress was held in Tripoli, Libya in 2000. During this period, the Union experienced internal challenges and disputes within its secretariat, affecting its operations. Tenth Congress (Post-2000) – Accra, Ghana: After several attempts to convene due to internal disputes, the tenth congress was finally held in Accra, Ghana, marking a moment of reorganization and unity within AASU.