ASUU Elects Prof. Chris Piwuna as New National President Amid Rising Tensions in Nigerian Universities
In a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s university system, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected Professor Chris Piwuna as its new national president. The announcement came at the conclusion of ASUU’s 23rd National Delegates Congress, held in Benin City on Sunday.
This leadership change arrives at a time when unresolved issues continue to challenge the Nigerian academic landscape, and many stakeholders are watching closely to see how Prof. Piwuna will steer the union in the months ahead.
Who is Prof. Chris Piwuna?
Prof. Piwuna is a consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital and currently serves as the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos. With years of experience in student welfare and mental health, he brings a unique blend of academic and medical expertise to ASUU leadership.
His background sets him apart from most of his predecessors, who typically come from science, engineering, or arts disciplines. Piwuna’s student-centered career may mark the beginning of a more empathetic and inclusive era for the union—especially in how it addresses challenges that directly affect students and lecturers alike.
Inside ASUU’s Presidential Election
The ASUU presidential race was contested between two prominent figures:
- Prof. Chris Piwuna, University of Jos
- Prof. Adamu Babayo, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi
Delegates from all over Nigeria converged in Benin City for the congress, where they voted to determine the union’s next leader. Multiple sources confirmed that Prof. Piwuna secured the majority vote and has officially assumed office, taking over from Prof. Victor Osodeke, a soil science expert from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
What Lies Ahead for ASUU?
Prof. Piwuna steps into leadership at a time of increasing pressure in the education sector. Several long-standing issues are expected to shape the union’s agenda moving forward:
- Disputes over the distribution of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), recently disbursed by the Federal Government
- Brain drain, as Nigerian lecturers continue to migrate abroad in search of better pay and working conditions
- Persistent concerns over staff welfare, poor infrastructure, and academic funding
ASUU has already hinted at possible strike action if critical matters remain unresolved. As president, Piwuna will be at the center of negotiations, dialogue with government officials, and decisions that could impact millions of university students across the country.
Final Thoughts
The election of Prof. Chris Piwuna signals a new chapter for ASUU at a time when bold leadership is urgently needed. With students and lecturers looking for answers and action, all eyes are now on the new president to see how he will address the complex challenges facing Nigeria’s public universities.
For students, parents, and academic staff, this is a story to follow closely. Will Prof. Piwuna bring fresh solutions, or will ASUU head back to the trenches? The coming months will reveal the path forward.
Stay with us for more updates on ASUU, Nigerian education policies, and what they mean for students preparing for exams like JAMB and WAEC.
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