By By: The People Newspaper
Monrovia, Liberia – Varney Alieu Jarsey, President of the All-Africa Students Union (AASU) and former head of the Liberia National Students’ Union (LINSU), has died following a period of prolonged illness.
Jarsey, widely regarded as one of Liberia’s most outspoken and fearless student leaders, first rose to prominence during his tenure as President of LINSU, where he mobilized young people across the country to speak out against corruption, poor governance, and the neglect of the education sector. His activism was often described as bold, principled, and uncompromising in the face of state repression.
Following his impactful service in Liberia, Jarsey was elected President of AASU, making him one of the few Liberians to lead the continent’s largest umbrella student organization. In that capacity, he championed policy reforms, student rights, and youth empowerment across Africa, frequently engaging with heads of states, education ministers, and regional institutions such as the African Union and ECOWAS.
Under his leadership, AASU gained greater visibility in continental education debates, pushing for fair student representation in policymaking, affordable access to higher learning, and accountability from governments. He also remained deeply connected to Liberia’s student movement, often returning home to participate in dialogues with policymakers, civil society, and youth organizations.
Beyond his student activism, Jarsey was known for his intellectual sharpness and ability to build coalitions across borders. Colleagues describe him as a “relentless advocate for the dignity of African students and a symbol of Pan-African youth leadership.”
News of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief across Liberia and the African student leadership network. Many recall him as a man who dedicated his life to ensuring that students’ voices were not only heard but respected in the governance of their nations.
His legacy lives on in the countless young leaders he inspired, the reforms he pushed for, and the movements he helped strengthen.
