Highlight four factors that led to the collapse of the West African Students' Union (WASU) before the end of the Second World War.

Answer Details

Factors that led to the collapse of the West African Students' Union (WASU) before the end of the Second World War

1. Financial difficulties. WASU depended largely on subscriptions and donations; inadequate and irregular funding crippled its activities.
2. Disruption by the Second World War. The war interrupted travel, communication and the flow of students from West Africa to Britain, weakening the Union's base.
3. Internal disunity and leadership wrangling. Rivalry, personality clashes and disagreements among members and leaders sapped the organisation's strength.
4. Distance from home. Being based in London, far from West Africa, WASU became detached from the masses at home and could not sustain a strong local following.
5. Colonial government hostility. The colonial authorities regarded WASU as subversive and worked to discourage and undermine it.
6. Transient membership. As a students' body its members graduated and left, so it constantly lost experienced leaders and lacked continuity.
7. Emergence of home-based parties. The rise of nationalist parties within West Africa drew attention and support away from the London-based Union.