Institute of African Studies - Columbia University

Student Groups
African Development Group
The African Development Group is an undergraduate organization at Columbia that aims to contribute to the reverse of brain drain by promoting deeper engagement of the African Diaspora in African Development through research, initiative and service. ADG strives to create a space in which its members can be informed about upcoming events and steps the organization is taking, as well as to facilitate debate and conversation on contemporary issues in African development.
African Students Association (Undergraduate Group)
The purpose of the African Students Association is to provide a forum for the meaningful discussion of the political, social, and cultural landscape of Africa. We aim to create a culturally enlightened community on campus by educating people about Africa. We welcome all people interested in Africa and African issues. President: Yemisi Olorunwunmi, [email protected]

Graduate Committee on African Studies (GCAS)
Graduate Committee on African Studies (GCAS) is an interdisciplinary graduate student led committee on African Studies. It provides a forum for graduate students across the campus to engage in dialogue on the field of African studies. Past GCAS events have included talks by scholars in the field as well as workshops devoted to the learning and enhancement of new research methods and skills. For more information about CGAS, or to join the Committee, please contact: Pandora O'Mahony-Adams at [email protected]
SIPA Pan-African Network (SPAN)
The SIPA Pan-Afican Network (SPAN) is a student group based in the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University. SPAN provides an informal community of support and provides a platform for students interested in the economic, political, and social development of Africa and its Diaspora.  SPAN organizes events throughout the year related to various topics of relevance to Africa. These range from cultural events, such as bi-annual Taste of Africa, to educational conferences, such as the African Economic Forum. We encourage anyone with an interest to join SPAN and participate in our events. SPAN is open an open membership group with SIPA students from diverse backgrounds, interests, and disciplines (economic and political development; human rights; economic policy; environmental policy; security policy; media, etc). 

Student Spotlight

Morenikeji Akinade
Morenikeji Akinade is a third year JD student at Columbia Law School. She was born in Philadelphia but raised largely in Lagos, Nigeria. As an undergraduate at Northwestern University, she had the opportunity to intern at the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, a joint venture between the Nigerian and Chinese governments.
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