The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected a new president, appointing Prof. Chris Piwuna, a consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, to lead the union. Prof. Piwuna, who is also the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos, succeeds Prof. Victor Osodeke, a Professor of Soil Science at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.
The election was held during the 23rd National Delegates Congress of ASUU in Benin, which took place on Sunday. The congress saw a competitive election between Piwuna and Prof. Adamu Babayo of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. Verified sources close to the election confirmed the contested race.
Prof. Piwuna’s election comes at a pivotal time as the union faces increasing concerns about industrial action. Among the issues at the forefront are the recently released Earned Academic Allowances by the Federal Government, with debates surrounding the fairness of the sharing formula. Additional challenges include the ongoing brain drain within Nigeria’s academic sector.
Piwuna’s appointment signals a new chapter for ASUU as he steps into the leadership role with a mandate to address these pressing concerns. His leadership will be closely scrutinised as the union navigates these contentious issues that continue to shape the academic landscape in Nigeria.