Nigerian universities’ academic staff union (ASUU) has elected Professor Chris Piwuna, a distinguished psychiatrist and former University of Jos administrator, as its new national president. The election concluded Monday following a four-day voting process at the University of Benin.
Piwuna, who previously served as vice president, emerged victorious over Professor Adamu Babayo from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in the closely contested election held during ASUU’s 23rd National Delegates Congress from May 8-12.
Outgoing president Emmanuel Osodeke confirmed the leadership transition, noting an official union statement would follow shortly. Piwuna becomes the 14th president in ASUU’s history.
The new leader brings sterling academic credentials to the role. After obtaining his Medicine (MBBS) degree from UNIJOS in 2000, Piwuna earned his Master’s at the University of Malta in 2013. He holds fellowships with the West African College of Physicians and the International Psychogeriatric Association.
Piwuna assumes office during a critical period for Nigerian higher education, with pressing challenges including chronic underfunding, unpaid academic allowances, worsening brain drain, and ongoing struggles for university autonomy.
His medical background and experience as UNIJOS Dean of Student Affairs position him well to lead negotiations with government stakeholders. The election comes as ASUU prepares for crucial talks regarding implementation of the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement.
Key Challenges Ahead:
– Addressing mass exodus of academics (brain drain)
– Securing payment of earned academic allowances
– Fighting for improved university funding
– Maintaining academic staff welfare
– Preserving university autonomy
Education analysts suggest Piwuna’s combination of medical expertise and administrative experience makes him uniquely qualified to navigate the complex challenges facing Nigeria’s university system.
