New Policy Report on Student Violence

Executive Summary

Student activism has long played a pivotal role in shaping political landscapes across Africa, often driving democratic change. However, alongside traditions of peaceful protest, many universities have become highly militarized, with students resorting to violence to express collective grievances.

This report examines the dynamics, scope, and underlying causes of organized student violence at public universities in West Africa from 2000 to 2022. The findings reveal significant geographical variation, with certain countries (e.g. Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire) and universities (e.g. Lagos State University, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and University of Liberia) being notably more susceptible to violence than others.

The report identifies six key factors that heighten the risk of organized student violence: elite penetration of universities, large-scale student protests, abusive security forces, a broader culture of violence in society, militarized masculinities within student organizations, and economic shocks.

These insights carry important policy implications. To mitigate student violence, policymakers can enforce codes of conduct for student organizations; promote gender, human rights and non-violent resistance training; pursue security sector reforms; and create university security committees. Additionally, strengthening student representation in university decision-making and expanding socioeconomic support programs can help address underlying grievances.

By tackling these structural and contextual drivers, policymakers and educational institutions can foster safer, more resilient universities—empowering students and contributing to both democratic and economic development across the region.